🎤🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 43🎤🎤

First up, we catch up with Daniel McKenna to hear about his modified-class victory at the Donegal Harvest Rally, as he reflects on the event and what it took to win.

Ralio presenter Emyr Penlan then joins us to look back on a thrilling conclusion to the World Rally Championship. With drama right to the finish, Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin have been crowned the 2026 World Rally Champions. Emyr shares his thoughts on the story behind the title-deciding finale.

Finally, Peter Eakin Safety Officer for the Dogleap Rally, joins us to discuss what competitors and spectators can expect from the event this weekend, with a focus on safety and all the action ahead.

Chapters Start 00:00:00

Daniel McKenna on his modified Harvest win 00:03:22

Emyr Penlan on the dramatic conclusion to the WRC 00:22:15

Peter Eakin previews the Dogleap Stages 00:46:00

Ends 01:02:17

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast2026 Season, episode 41🎤

This week on the podcast, we catch up with Eddie Doherty and Tom Murphy, fresh from their impressive win on the Cork 20 Rally. They tell us about their season and plans for 2027.

We also chat to Max Freeman about his Cork 20 experience, where he took on the co-driving duties alongside Sam Touzel and his love for the sport.

Plus, we’re joined by Pat O’Connor, Clerk of the Course for this weekend’s Laois Forestry Rally, as he gives us the lowdown on what’s in store for competitors and fans.

Chapters

Start 00:00:00

Eddie Doherty & Tom Murphy 00:04:13

Max Freeman 00:25:40

Patrick O'Connor 00:39:28

End 00:57:14

🎤Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season, episode 41 🎤

The Escort Rally Special, held in Belgium on September 12th and 13th, delivered a fantastic weekend of action, with a huge contingent of competitors from the island of Ireland making their presence felt on the stages. Christopher O’Callaghan continued to demonstrate the impressive pace he’s shown throughout the season, further cementing his reputation as one of Ireland’s quickest Class 14 Escort MKII drivers. Conor Murphy also had plenty to celebrate, securing a strong finish after a frustrating run of bad luck. His speed has never been in doubt, and it was great to see the results finally come his way. However, the star of the weekend was undoubtedly Cathal Mulcaire. Driving a car generously lent to him by the O’Callaghan family, and more accustomed to Pinto power, Cathal produced a sensational performance to claim third overall. The result made it an all-Irish podium lockout, with Frank Kelly also in the thick of the action before slipping off the road when he was just outside the podium positions. Join us as we look back on an unforgettable Belgian adventure and celebrate the incredible pace of the Irish Escort crews!