Latest news with #JoshMcErlean
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Josh McErlean relishing Sardinian WRC test
Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean is in action at the Rally Italia Sardegna this weekend for round six of the World Rally Championship and determined to continue his upward trajectory behind the wheel of his M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1. McErlean, who was a WRC2 driver, was a surprise choice to compete for the full M-Sport Ford World Rally Team this year. His chance though came when Frenchman Adrian Formaux quit the M-Sport team to move to Hyundai this season and the British team decided to go with a younger, less experienced three-driver line-up, which included Derryman McErlean. So far the Irish driver has been in the points, his best result a fine seventh place in the opening Monte Carlo Rally, while McErlean finished eighth in the last round in Portugal. The 25-year-old driver from Kilrea was M-Sport's top points scorer during the weekend in Portugal. That momentum will be key on the Italian island's punishing stages, which includes Micky's Jump as part of the Lerno–Su Filigosu stage, one of the most famous jumps in world rallying. Last year's event saw the the joint-closest WRC finish in history, when Ott Tanak beat Sebastien Ogier to victory by two-tenths of a second. The event is held on narrow gravel tracks, which cut through mountainous forests, pushing drivers and machinery to the limit. Sardinia's abrasive gravel also gives it one of the highest tyre-wear rates in the whole season. "Sardinia is one of the toughest rallies on the calendar, no question," said McErlean, who went on to finish fourth fastest in the shakedown. "There's no room for error here – it's narrow, rough, and can catch you out at any second. "But after the positive result in Portugal, I feel we're progressing in the right direction. "We're learning more about the Puma on gravel with every kilometre, and this weekend will be another big step for us." The event opens with a ceremonial start in Olbia before two loops on Friday through Gallura's gritty, technical stages. Saturday will provide the ultimate test, featuring the infamous Lerno–Su Filigosu test. Sunday's action rounds off with a mix of returning classics and a new power stage on the coast at Porto San Paolo. "You have to learn to love this rally, you can't fight it, or it will bite you back", added McErlean. "It's a real test for both car and crew, and that's exactly what makes it so rewarding. We had a positive run in Portugal, and the goal is to carry that rhythm into this weekend." Meanwhile, two days of motor racing action lie ahead for race fans at Mondello Park this weekend as the second round of the ICCR series approaches. The Siltex Safety Zetec Fiestas once again have the largest grids and with a win apiece so far in 2025, Sean McGovern and Alan Dawson will be keen to take the top step of the podium once again. Formula Ford returns to the Kildare venue ahead of the Historic Festival in August and despite a relatively small entry list, all the big FF1600 names are there. Jason Smyth and Morgan Quinn are looking forward to a return to Irish tarmac and, having taken plenty of wins between them across the water, won't be here to make up numbers. Stephen O'Connor is fast, if a touch erratic, but could spring a surprise against the younger opposition if the planets align. BOSS Ireland is back at Mondello too, and all eyes will be on Limerick's Paul Having done most of his racing abroad recently, he brings his 590bhp Dallara World Series to Mondello Park. He was have to tackle the nimble F3 cars of reigning champion Tony Greenan and Noel Robinson. It's a battle of the V8s in the HRCA Historics as Jackie Cochrane's 5.0 Sunbeam Tiger fights off the similarly powered Ginetta G10 of son-in-law Gareth Thompson.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
'No room for error' - McErlean prepares for Italy
Josh McErlean believes Rally Italia Sardegna will be "one of the toughest rallies" in his debut World Rally Championship M-Sport Ford driver will compete in Italy for the fist time in WRC1 machinery after a strong previous round in narrow and rocky gravel roads through the mountains, combined with the summer heat, make the rally in Sardinia one of the most gruelling on the WRC calendar."There's no room for error here – it's narrow, rough, and can catch you out at any second," said Motorsport Ireland driver McErlean."You have to learn to love this rally. You can't fight it or it will bite you back."It's a real test for both car and crew, and that's exactly what makes it so rewarding."After a late deal to graduate to the top tier of world rallying with M-Sport, the opening five rounds of the season have been a baptism of fire for the 25-year-old from Northern he had his best performance of the season in Portugal in May as he and co-driver Eoin Treacy finished in eighth place, ahead of more experienced team-mate Gregoire Munster and the highly-rated Martins Sesks. "We had a positive run in Portugal, and the goal is to carry that rhythm into this weekend," added McErlean."I feel we're progressing in the right direction. We're learning more about the Ford Puma on gravel with every kilometre, and this weekend will be another big step for us."The first of the 16 stages takes place on Friday and the event will finish in Olbia on Sunday.
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Spike Island to host Red Bull Drift Pursuit this summer
Cork's iconic Spike Island will play host to one of the biggest days in the Irish motorsport calendar this year when Red Bull Drift Pursuit takes over the former military base on Saturday July 5th. With prison walls as their backdrop, 16 of the country's top drifters will go head-to-head in a fierce 1 v 1 knockout format which promises to exhilarate seasoned drift fans and newcomers alike. This is no ordinary drift event - it will test the accuracy, control and speed of each and every driver on the track, pushing them to their absolute max. Drivers are judged on two key criteria; course time and clipping points, with penalties for any infringements. Emerging talent from the Irish drift scene will be rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in motorsport in Red Bull athletes Conor Shanahan and Josh McErlean. 9 DRFIT KING: Red Bull drifter Conor Shanahan will once again compete in Drift Pursuit Credit: RED BULL 9 ICONIC SETTING: Red Bull Drift Pursuit will take place on Cork's Spike Island Credit: RED BULL 9 WRC STAR: M-Sport Ford World Rally Championship driver Josh McErlean will be bringing his Puma Rally1 car to Cork Credit: RED BULL Both drivers will perform on the day, alongside Conor's brother Jack, delivering explosive demos that blend the rally power of Josh's M-Sport World Rally Ford Puma with the drifting precision of Conor's Toyota GT86 in a one-of-a-kind, gearbox-shredding display. The event kicks off at 6.45pm, finishing at 8.30pm. Tickets are on sale now on the Red Bull website, priced at €45 for a standing ticket and €55 for a seated ticket. Ferry transfers from Ringaskiddy or Cobh are included in the ticket, with ferries running throughout the day. On the announcement, Cork drifter and Red Bull athlete Conor Shanahan said: 'As a proud Corkman, it is incredible to see a drift event like this take place at such an iconic location like Spike Island. Some of the best drifters in Ireland will be competing, and I know Jack and I are looking forward to putting on a show.' 9 ISLAND BOYS: Cork natives Jack and Conor Shanahan will both be competing and taking part in a Q&A session before the events blasts off at 6:45pm Credit: RED BULL 9 IN A SPIN: Action from Red Bull Drift Pursuit in Limerick last May Credit: RED BULL 9 RAGING BULLS: Conor Shanahan competing at fthe Drift Masters European Championship Credit: RED BULL Before the action kicks off, spectators can avail of Spike Island tours to learn more about the island's rich history as a naval base and more recently as a prison. Drift Masters Conor and Jack Shanahan will be doing a Q&A alongside WRC star Josh McErlean, while the drivers' paddock will also be open to spectators keen to get a closer look at the action. There are four Cork drivers among those set to compete at Red Bull Drift Pursuit, with Aidan Dennehy, Owen Magner, Trevor Healy and Alan Hynes, the 2024 Red Bull Drift Pursuit champion, all sure to benefit from a vocal local support. Most read in Motors 9 2024 DRIFT PURSUIT CHAMP: Alan Hynes seen at the Red Bull Drift Pursuit in Limerick Credit: RED BULL 2025 grid competing in Red Bull Drift Pursuit DRIVERS LINE-UP Stephen Halferty (Derry) Aidan Dennehy (Cork) Alex Butler (Louth) Owen Magner (Cork) Colin O'Sullivan (Kerry) Trevor Healy (Cork) Jack Caldwell (Tyrone) Alan Hynes (Cork) *2024 RBDP Champ Davan Leahy (Waterford) Jake Davey (Galway) Sean Carson (Tyrone) Jakub Krzyszczak (Waterford) Harry Kerr (Antrim) Tom Hayden (Kildare) Erikas Navickas (Kildare) Alan O'Loghlen (Galway) Peter Molloy (Down) Craig Searles (Limerick) An unforgettable evening of speed and skill in the historic surroundings of Spike Island awaits. To keep up to date with all things Red Bull Drift Pursuit, follow @redbullire on Instagram and TikTok or visit : What is Red Bull Drift Pursuit? Red Bull Drift Pursuit is a unique 1v1 drift battle competition, which will take place this year on Spike Island, Co. Cork. This is the competition's second year, having made its debut at Limerick Greyhound Stadium in 2024. Getting to Spike Island The only way to get to Spike Island for the event is by ferry. The ferry transfer to Spike Island is included in your ticket. Ferries will depart from Cobh and Ringaskiddy piers. Departure/Return time and location are selected at point of purchase. No other means of travel to Spike Island for the event will be permitted. 9 ACTION PACKED: Competitors seen at the Red Bull Drift Pursuit in Limerick Credit: RED BULL TICKET SALES: Both standing and seated tickets are available and return ferry is included in the ticket price. Tickets are priced €55 (seated) and €45 (standing) including booking fees. Tickets are on sale now via: Ferry information: There are two options for your ferry transfer. 1: The Ringaskiddy ferry will depart from Paddy's Point, 2: The Cobh ferry will depart from Kennedy Pier, There will be car parking options at both ferry departure points. Please arrive at the pier 10-15 minutes before your ferry/ticket booking. Passengers must be on time for their booked time slot/ferry departure. Due to limited capacity, no alternative ferry departure will be offered. Passengers cannot leave the island before their designated return ferry. No changes can be made to ferry departure points or times after purchase. Children: Red Bull Drift Pursuit is suitable for all age groups. Children of all ages will require a standard seating or standing ticket. Please note that this is an outdoor motorsports event with some walking between the ferry and event site, so please dress appropriately, expect loud noises and bring relevant ear protection, particularly for children. Accesibility: The event is wheelchair friendly. Activity on Spike Island: Guided tours of Spike Island are included with the ticket and are available throughout the day, or you can explore the prison without a guide. There will be food and drink outlets on site with picnic tables; picnic and picnic blankets are welcome and visitors can bring their own picnics or snacks to the island to eat. Read more on the Irish Sun Alcohol and glassware/glass bottles of any sort are not permitted to be brought to the event. There will be alcohol on sale in the Spike Island café. Drones are not permitted to be used at the event. More information, including the event map and schedule of events can be found on the Red Bull website at: 9 LE THE GAMES BEGIN: Red Bull Drift Pursuit will get underway on July 5 Credit: RED BULL
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
'This is a class rally' - McErlean eyeing progress in Portugal
The iconic Vodafone Rally de Portugal with the strongest WRC Rally1 entry in three years, is the latest challenge for the Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy as they continue their journey at the top tier of the World Rally Championship. With a second-place finish in the WRC category under his belt from last year, the 25-year-old Kilrea driver couldn't have imagined the trajectory of his career 12 months later. It's a similar situation for his Killeagh co-driver. Neither are letting the emotions of their spectacular climb get in their way. 'Our game plan, like any other event so far this season, is to progress as much as possible during the weekend." McErlean added, "The margins are tiny and there is zero room for error in Portugal. We need to think strategically and take it day by day. Our expectations remain realistic, we are still learning with every kilometre in the car." Portugal, round five of the WRC, is the first of seven gravel events on the bounce. 'I've done a few events over the years in Portugal but they are all in stark contrast to travelling over the stages in a Rally1 Puma.' said McErlean. Aside from a mistake that led to their retirement in Rally Islas Canaris, the pair are progressing well and the 340 competitive kilometres in Portugal should continue the process. After posting the seventh-quickest time in yesterday's shakedown where his Latvian team mate was quickest, McErlean remarked, "This is a class rally, everyone talks about Friday in Portugal being a big day and it's the same every year. The challenge this weekend is massive but at least we are in familiar territory." The Irish pair will be joined by their M-Sport Ford team mates Gregoire Munster (Luxemburg), Sesks and local hero Diogo Salvi. The Toyota Gazoo Racing Team arrive in Portugal with an unblemished start to the season having won all four rounds to date. In addition, the Japanese team are unbeaten in Portugal since 2019. Welsh ace Elfyn Evans, who is amongst the past winners (2021) has a whopping 43 points lead in the current series. Opposition, even with the Toyota camp, is fascinating with two-time WR champion Kalle Rovanpera, a double winner in Portugal and record six-time event winner Sébastien Ogier nominated (along with Evans) nominated to score points for Toyota's main team. Not surprisingly, Ogier commented, "I've always loved Portugal. It's a rally with a special atmosphere and amazing fans. Last year's win to make it six was really satisfying, repeating that this week would be incredible.' Takamoto Katsuta and his Northern Ireland co-driver Aaron Johnson are also in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1. For Hyundai Motorsport, it's an opportunity for Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak (both past winners in Portugal) and Adrien Fourmaux to match their rivals. "We need a strong result as a team, we need to be stronger than the Toyotas and we need to outscore Elfyn - he has a big lead in the championship and we haven't been able to fight back as much as we would have hoped, so he will be our main target to beat in Portugal along with Kalle (Rovanpera).' said Neuville. The WRC2 category has a record-breaking 45 registered entries spearheaded by Oliver Solberg (Toyota Yaris Rally2)), Gus Greensmith (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2), series leader Yohan Rossel (Citroen C3 Rally2) and Pierre-Louis Loubet (Ford Fiesta Rally2). Although not registered for championship points, Northern Ireland's Kris Meeke will be the focus of attention in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. It is strongly rumoured he is amongst the 270 plus entries received for next month's Donegal International Rally. Meanwhile, Donegal's Eamonn Kelly (Ford Fiesta Rally3) and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Mohan continue their quest for the Junior WRC title, currently they are third in the series - fourteen points behind leader, Sweden's Mille Johansson. Elsewhere, Killarney's Alan Ring (BMW M3) winner of the Historic category of the recent Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes competes in the nine-stage (142.45km) Rallye d'Antibes Historic Rally that finishes tomorrow (Saturday). Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota Celica ST185) is the top seed.
The Irish Sun
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Irish WRC duo and their car are star guests at the MI Rally Academy J1000 Development Day at Mondello Park
THE recent Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy J1000 Development Day at Mondello Park was a huge success. There were 31 Junior 1000 competitors from the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series and Forest Rally Championship taking part in the academy's latest development day with training workshops including driver, fitness, performance and equipment coaching. Advertisement And as an added bonus M-Sport's Ford Puma Rally1 was in attendance too, but not just as a centre piece to be enjoyed. Irish World Rally Championship duo Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy were also at Mondello offering passenger runs in this amazing machine. 4 WRC FUTURE STARS: WRC drivers Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy with MI Rally Academy founder John Coyne plus drivers from the FIA Rally pyramid and J1000 Credit: Darren Liggett I was invited along by Red Bull Ireland as both Josh and Eoin are athletes of the energy drink company, and I was one of the lucky punters who got to enjoy two very hot, but also very wet, laps around Mondello. Also on track was a Hyundai i20 Rally2, usually seen in action with MI Rally Academy founder and patron John Coyne at the wheel. Advertisement European Rally Championship contender Jon Armstrong did demonstration runs before academy members sampled Rally2 power on the slippery circuit. While the excitement of seeing McErlean power-slide his WRC car around Mondello's rain-soaked track unsurprisingly stole the show, there were a host of special guests and visitors present at the venue. The J1000 crews were joined by their friends and families as they rubbed shoulders with a host of media representatives, podcasters, influencers, Red Bull Ireland and national broadcaster RTE. As J1000 rallying in Ireland continues to go from strength to strength, with both entries and competitiveness increasing, the development day was another key step in recognising its importance to and close relationship with the MI Rally Academy. Advertisement Most read in Motors 4 LET LOOSE: M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 car going sideways in the wet around Mondello Credit: MI Rally Academy So as well as showcasing J1000 and the MI Rally Academy's WRC crew of McErlean and Treacy, another highlight was the first time the FIA's complete Rally Pyramid was on display in Ireland at the same time. Mondello was packed with Rally5 cars right up to the Rally1 Puma, and the teenage J1000 crews also got to bring their rally-specification hot-hatches to the event. The event was held a couple of days after the two-year anniversary of the passing of WRC driver Craig Breen, who was a great supporter of the MI Rally Academy. Advertisement So it was no surprise to see so many of the drivers all wearing 'Breenie' bobble hats in honour of their Irish rallying hero. With academy members competing in Rally4, Rally3, Rally2 and Rally1 championships this year, cars in attendance included Craig Rahill's front-running Junior European Rally Championship Peugeot 208 Rally4 as well as Coyne's Hyundai i20 Rally2. Coyne, who travelled over from his home in the USA for the special occasion, had been in action on the Moonraker Forest Rally four days earlier where he finished in 11th place. 4 DREAM TEAM: WRC driver Josh McErlean and his co-pilot Eoin Treacy pictured with Motorsport Ireland members Credit: MI Rally Academy Advertisement The 1982 Irish Tarmac Rally champion also finished fourth in the 1982 Circuit of Ireland Rally, one minute behind WRC legend Henri Toivonen, and ahead of Billy Coleman, Hannu Mikkola and Ari Vatanen. Coyne was also in action in the i20 Rally2 on the Circuit of Ireland over the weekend along with MI Rally Academy co-driver Killian McArdle. And after Friday and Saturday's asphalt stages were complete they brought their i20 home in 18th. Speaking afterwards, Coyne said: 'Happy with 18th overall, 10th RC2 on my first tarmac rally in six years. After a one-minute-20-second off on SS1 we dropped to 69th overall. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun 'It took some time to gain confidence, but I'm happy that my pace improved steadily with our best stage result being 11th-fastest on SS10.' See: 4 GENERATION GAME: WRC driver Josh McErlean with MI Rally Academy founder and patron John Coyne Credit: MI Rally Academy
