The Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK is back on the road again – with the Rally of the Lakes the third round of the championship. Killarney plays host to six crews this weekend – all vying for strong championship points in the pursuit of one of the biggest prizes in Irish and UK rallying. The enviable FIA European Rally Championship opportunity at the end for the overall champions awaits.
The Stellantis Cup is organised and promoted by Race & Rally, Michelin Motorsport, Protyre Motorsport Ireland and LP Tents this season and is a championship home to cars from the Stellantis group of brands such as Lancia, Opel and Peugeot. The championship sits alongside the British Rally Championship and Irish Tarmac Championship on some of the best events either side of the Irish Sea and after a round on each surface – the Cup competitors switch set-ups back to the asphalt – this time for Killarney in County Kerry in the south of the country.
The event starts on Friday 2nd May in the centre of Killarney for an evening Ceremonial Start, before two days of rallying action around the picturesque lakes (3-4 May). This rally has it all inducing a pass through the iconic Moll’s Gap which sees thousands of passionate rallying fans cheering on the rally crews.
The championship begins to edge towards the middle part of the year with the third round of eight this weekend. The prize on offer? 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. Whats’ more, Stellantis along with Race & Rally are providing podium vouchers for each round. The winner in Killarney will receive €3,000, while second and third in the Lakes will take home €1,500 and €1,000 respectively.
After two solid points scoring rounds, Jack Brennan and Eoghan Doherty in their Peugeot 208 Rally4 find themselves steering the Stellantis ship after two rounds – with the Irish pair six points clear in the standings. Second in Cork and second in Carlisle has banked plenty of points for Brennan and Doherty, and the pair come to the lakes in search of another consistent showing. However, the duo won’t be resting on their laurels as they are eyeing their first win of the season – a true signal of intent for the title.
Joseph Kelly and Killian McArdle romped home to victory last time out on the gravel on the Carlisle Stages Rally. Their 45 second victory on the hot and dusty Cumbrian trails underlined their speed, reliability and commitment in their version of the Peugeot 208 Rally4, as they sit third equal in the standings. Kelly will be eager to prove his win wasn’t a one off and will be hoping to dial in his Tarmac prowess quickly in Killarney this weekend.
Teenage sensation Kalum Graffin is another man who has enjoyed a successful start to the year – taking two third place finishes with Mark McGeehan sat alongside in their example of the Peugeot 208 Rally4. Graffin wasn’t at home on the loose – but is relishing a return to Irish Tar – a surface he knows, loves and has grown up on. To keep pace with his rivals – Graffin will look to get to grips early on as he seeks movement up the rostrum.
Victors from the opening round in Cork – Kyle McBride and Darragh Mullen (Peugeot 208 Rally4) start as possible favourites due to their Clonakilty cup run success back in March. A retirement on the gravel in Kielder could be the low point of the season for the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy team – and will look to dust themselves off ahead of the latest challenge. A win would do them the world of good to get back on the coattails of Brennan out front.
As well as the title-chasing quartet, look out for David Herbert and David Seamen in their Rally4 Peugeot 208. Herbert lined-up for West Cork back in March – his first event in the car and chalked-up sixth in the cup standings. Herbert’s lack of experience will be made up for by a balanced approach of speed and caution and will be keeping an eye on the younger drivers ahead of him as he searches for a top five or even better in class.
New recruits to the Stellantis Cup in Killarney are David Randles and Andrew Cronin. Randles is on home soil this weekend as the County Kerry man makes a bold switch from an iconic Nissan Almera Kit Car which he campaigned for over ten years into a state-of-the-art Peugeot 208 Rally4. Randles like Herbert will be chasing the youngsters up ahead – but local knowledge could well pay dividends when it comes to a top five or even a top three position at the end of the rally.
For more information on the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK visit: https://stellantismotorsportcup.com/
