The Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK returns to rallying action this weekend with Kielder Forest the next challenge for the intrepid crews. Eight of the biggest and best rallies stand in the way of a lucrative FIA European Rally Championship prize at the end for the overall champions.
The Stellantis Cup series is organised and promoted by Race & Rally, Michelin Motorsport, Protyre Motorsport Ireland and LP Tents welcomes cars from the automotive giant Stellantis – including the popular Peugeot 208 Rally4 front-wheel-drive pocket-rocket. Now returning for its second album, the championship teams endured a tough and demanding opening event – with the three-day West Cork rally a real baptism of fire for the crews.
The championship continues to utilise the best rallies in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom to form a fiercely competitive championship – with the legendary Kielder forest tracks being used by the Carlisle Stages on the 12th April next on the hit list. This is the second rung on an eight step ladder, with the prize at the top a substantial support package consisting of championship registration, entries and tyres for five rounds worth up to €40,000, for either the FIA Junior European Rally Championship or ERC4 category in 2026.
From the closed road asphalt lanes around Clonakilty in southern Ireland, the Cup competitors hit the loose for 50 miles on some of the most difficult forestry roads in the UK. Earning the phrase ‘Killer Kielder’ the forests are notoriously fast and flowing – with a bitter bite always ready and waiting. Get it right, it will feel like a rollercoaster with cars travelling at speeds of over 100mph on the gravel. Get it wrong, and the Kielder ditches have halted and claimed the progress of many famous drivers over the decades.
Preparing to walk the tightrope are five crews for the second round, all dreaming of the main prize as well as further vouchers from each round. The winner of each round will receive €3,000, while second and third in the Cup will take home €1,500 and €1,000 respectively.
Leading the Stellantis runners out the traps will be round one winner Kyle McBride and Darragh Mullen in their Peugeot 208 Rally4. McBride could do no wrong last time out in Cork as the young Irishman sealed victory in the category by chalking up the fastest time on every counting timed test. Kyle also has one eye on the Junior British Rally Championship in 2025 after his opening round win on the East Riding Stages. With a switch in the surface – the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver will be hoping for a seamless transition onto the gravel – for more ‘business as usual’ this weekend.
Jack Brennan and Eoghan Doherty (Peugeot 208 Rally4) were best of the rest on round one last month – with a solid second after a near event long tussle with Joseph Kelly/Killian McArdle in the Irish lanes. Brennan last took part in a British forestry event in October 2023 and will be looking to get up to speed very quickly if he is to stop the McBride train this time out.
One of the tales of the West Cork Rally was the speed from Joseph Kelly and Killian McArdle in their example of the 208 Rally4. An exit on the 15th stage of the rally after making contact with a chicane bale – forced them into an early bath. Despite more experience on the Tarmac, Kelly knows a thing or two about the gravel, and will be eyeing his first finish of the season in the Cup. A podium would also be a great way to open the 2025 account.
Kalum Graffin is one of the youngest drivers in the rally – but the Irishman wont let his age get in the way of proceedings. With experienced co-driver Mark McGeehan the calming voice in the ear – the crew battled to third in Cork to round out the first Cup rostrum of the year. Graffin is also seeking a strong showing in the Junior BRC this year as well, with the 18-year-old keen to score his first gravel win in that category too on the fast and furious Cumbrian rally.
Making a welcome bow in the Stellantis Cup is British driver Sam Mason and James Seymour – also in the final Peugeot 208 Rally4. The 19-year-old impressed on his first showing in the 208 on the East Riding Stages – the opening round of the Junior BRC – which saw him net fourth in the class. A podium is the target for both Cup and Championship for Mason as he hopes to build his solid run of form, as well as upholding British hopes against a hard-charging Irish pack.
Backed by Race & Rally with support from Michelin Motorsport, Protyre Motorsport Ireland and LP Tents, the championship hits the rough on the 12th April for the Carlisle Stages. For more information on the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK visit: https://stellantismotorsportcup.com/
