2 days ago
Discipline key for McErlean and Treacy in punishing Rally of Gods
Motorsport
There's little, if any need for the Irish crew of Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy to look for inspiration as they set out on the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece today. Equally familiar as the "Rally of Gods", the 17th stage event that had its ceremonial start beneath the shadows of the Parthenon Thursday evening, is one of most gruelling events of the 14-round WR campaign. McErlean and Treacy already know the depth of the challenge as it's similar in many respects to Rally Italia Sardegna (previous round) where the Kilrea/Killeagh duo spent much of the time sweeping the roads onboard their M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 after re-joining under Super Rally.
As he addressed that experience, he also hinted at future plans. "This year is all about growth. Sardinia was unfortunate for us, but at the same time, we were able to gain so much valuable information for the future - and this season is all about building the full toolkit. Everything we learn here helps us grow stronger for what lies ahead."
On the Acropolis (the immediate future) he added, "It's another rally where survival matters. You have got to be smart, Sunday's final leg is longer than usual, so the rally keeps throwing challenges right to the finish.'
The Greek terrain is unforgiving and punishing on tyres, allied to its high altitude and searing heat, it's as much a mental test as it is physical. McErlean (who finished eighth last year in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) concluded, "Our mindset is all about discipline, learning and managing the rally in the right way.'
Over the years, M-Sport Ford has a strong record at the Acropolis with icons Carlos Sainz, the late Colin McRae, Marcus Gronholm and Mikko Hirvonen all victorious.
Along with McErlean, Gregoire Munster, Martins Sesks and Jourdan Serderidis complete this weekend's M-Sport quartet.
Reigning WR champion Belgian Thierry Neuville won last year's edition where Hyundai Motorsport had a lock-out of the podium places. A repeat performance would certainly be a welcome boost as they bid to halt the Toyota dominance of both championships. Hyundai are 69 points behind in the Manufacturers' title while (Drivers' title) Estonia's Ott Tanak trails series leader Elfyn Evans by 25 points with Neuville 50 points from the summit. Neuville said, " My goal is to outscore my opponents, but I would like to build some momentum and return to the podium.'
First off the start line, series leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1) will again have to sweep the loose gravel from the roads. A one-time 43 points lead is now 19 with team mates Sebastien Ogier (unbeaten on gravel this season) second and Kalle Rovanpera, a double Acropolis winner, one point further behind.
The Junior WRC reaches the halfway mark with all nine crews in Hankook shod Ford Fiesta Rally3 Evos tackling the event including Donegal's Eamonn Kelly and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Mohan.
Spain's Carlos Sainz (senior) has ended speculation with an announcement that, following "thoughtful reflection" he will not contest the FIA Presidential election later this year. Currently, Mohammed Ben Sulayem (current president) is unopposed for the election that is set to place at the FIA general assembly in Uzbekistan on December 12th.
Motorsport Ireland has confirmed that its Motor Sport Council has refused an application from the Galway Motor Club to re-schedule the Galway Rally on September 21st next. The Galway International Rally remains postponed due to the Storm Éowyn last February. Motorsport Ireland has informed the Galway organisers of the council's decision and advised that "International" status are not awarded to one-day events. Given the already congested nature of the Irish motorsport calendar and the proximity of the 2025 Galway International Rally, it's unlikely that the event will be rescheduled.
Meanwhile, following his third straight ITRC win of the season Derry's Callum Devine (66 pts) has increased his lead of the NAPA series to twenty points. Donegal trio David Kelly (46pts), Declan Boyle (40pts) and Michael Boyle (37points) have amassed their scores from all four rounds, Devine's total is from three events. In the co-drivers' championship (that will have a new champion) Patrick Walsh (58pts), Andy Hayes (46pts) and Darragh Mullen (43pts) are the current top trio.
