The Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK heads for one of the biggest events on the Irish rallying calendar next weekend for round four of the fiercely contested single-make series, the Donegal International Rally [20–22 June].
A true jewel in the crown of Irish motorsport, Donegal is three days of relentless rallying, mammoth mileage, and the kind of atmosphere that makes it the ultimate litmus test for any aspiring champion.
Fresh from Killarney in May, the Stellantis Cup heads towards the northern tip of Ireland for the event packed with classic stages like Atlantic Drive, Knockalla and Fanad Head. Donegal is a true driver’s rally, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time for the title contenders. With points and prize money on the line, and a €40,000 FIA ERC prize drive awaiting the eventual champion, the pressure is well and truly on.
Coming in hot after back-to-back wins, Joseph Kelly is the man with the target on his back. The Donegal native delivered a masterclass on the fast Tarmac of Killarney and now arrives at his home rally full of confidence. With Killian McArdle on the notes and a fired-up local crowd behind him, Kelly will be out to make it three wins from four – and solidify his place as one of the title favourites heading into the business end of the season.
But standing in his way is Kalum Graffin, fresh off a breakthrough performance in Killarney where he grabbed second place and his first €1,500 prize voucher of the season in the process. Graffin and co-driver Mark McGeehan proved they have the grit to go toe-to-toe with the best, and Donegal could well see the teenage sensation continue his rise.
Jack Brennan will also be in the mix after a measured run to third place last time out. The ever-consistent 208 Rally4 driver may not have had the pace to match Graffin on Sunday in the Lakes, but with clever point-scoring across all rounds, he now leads the title race by a single point. With Eoghan Doherty alongside him, Brennan will be playing the long game, but don’t be surprised to see him push for a maiden win if the chance presents itself.
The Motorsport Ireland Academy-backed duo Kyle McBride and Darragh Mullen have shown flashes of brilliance, stemming from the opening round win, but the leaderboard highlights a troubled campaign so far. After fighting back from mechanical gremlins in Killarney and going fastest on five of Sunday’s six stages, McBride’s raw speed is undeniable. Now on home turf, the pacey youngster will be desperate for a clean run and a chance to fight at the front without setbacks.
A new name joins the Stellantis Cup roster for Donegal, and it’s a familiar one. Ross Hunter, one of UK clubman rallying’s most respected names, returns to front-wheel-drive machinery in a Peugeot 208 Rally4 with co-driver Chris Dodds alongside. Renowned for his giant-killing drives in a 205 GTi and more recently, his time in 4WD machinery, Hunter’s adaptability and experience make him a dark horse for success. If he can get dialled in quickly, expect him to shake up the established order.
Backed by Race & Rally, Michelin Motorsport, Protyre Motorsport Ireland and LP Tents, the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK enters a critical phase as it joins one of the sport’s most iconic events. With three long days of competition, bumper stage mileage, and championship momentum on the line, Donegal could be the weekend that defines the 2025 title race.
