Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast
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Description
Krunching Gears was an idea I had in the back of my head. Allowing rally crews the chance to tell their stories. Thanks to the encouragement of some good people, I took the plunge and started to produce a podcast to record some great stories The stories I’ve heard over the last few months have been funny, others heartfelt, and fascinating. I think you’ll enjoy hearing them.
270 Episodes
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Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 17.
Guests this week bring a packed rally roundup and preview. We kick things off with Conor Edwards as we dive into Rally Croatia, breaking down the key moments, standout performances, and what it all means for the championship battle. From high-speed asphalt to dramatic stages, there’s plenty to unpack. Next, we shift focus to the opening round of the British Rally Championship, the Severn Valley Rally, where Damien Tourish & Kevin Duggan, and Ben McFall join us to share insights, stories from the stages, and their experiences tackling one of the most challenging events on the calendar. Finally, we look ahead to the Moonraker Rally with Gavin Walsh, previewing what to expect, whether you're following every stage or just catching up, this episode has everything you need to stay in the loop.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Croatia chat from Conor Edwards 00:01:10
Severn Valley Rally - Damien Tourish, Kevin Duggan & Ben McFall 00:16:45
Moonraker Preview with COC Gavin Walsh 00:43:10
End 00:58:20
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season Episode 16.
We’re fresh off the stages of the Circuit of Ireland with a full breakdown of all the action.
We’re joined by overall winners David Kelly & Shane Buckley as they talk us through their performance, the key moments of the rally, and what it took to come out on top in their stunning Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2. We also catch up with Barry Morris and Dylan Doonan, who claimed victory in the 2WD category in the awesome Darrian T90 GTR+, to hear about their impressive run and the challenges they faced along the way.
Looking ahead, we turn our attention to the upcoming Monaghan Stages Rally. Local radio star Sean McCaffrey joins us to share his insights, expectations, and what fans should be watching for as the rally rolls into town this weekend.
Plenty of stories, analysis, and rally chat as always—so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
🎧 Don’t forget to follow and share Krunching Gears – The Rally Podcast.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
David Kelly & Shane Buckley 00:02:20
Barry Morris & Dylan Doonan 00:15:55
Sean McCaffrey, Monaghan Rally chat 00:31:50
End 00:54:41
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season Episode 15
In this episode, we sit down with Craig Rahill, Casey Jay Coleman, Cian Caldwell, and Kalum Graffin to discuss their upcoming campaign in the European Rally Championship Rally3 Trophy, a five-round, M-Sport Poland–run competition kicking off at Rally Sierra Morena in mid-April. Craig and Casey Jay return for their second season in the championship, bringing valuable experience and insight, while Cian and Kalum prepare to take on the challenge for the very first time. The crews share their expectations, preparations, and what it means to compete across some of Europe’s most iconic and demanding rally stages. From the gravel of Sweden to the asphalt of Spain and Italy, and on to Poland and the Czech Republic, the 2026 Fiesta Rally3 Trophy promises a true test of skill, adaptability, and endurance. With a Ford Fiesta Rally2 prize drive at JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion awaiting the overall winner, the stakes are high. Tune in for an inside look at the drivers, the competition, and the road ahead.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season, episode 14.
This week’s episode features a conversation with North Wales Rally Historic winners Marty McCormack and Barney Mitchell, who reflect on their performance and what it took to secure the victory in their stunning Mats van den Brand-prepared BMW M3.
We also catch up with Shane Quinn following his impressive second-place finish in his Rally 2 Fiesta at the Birr Rally, discussing key moments from his event.
Two-wheel drive category winner Aaron McIntyre joins us as well, offering insight into his winning drive in his 2.5 Starlet.
Looking ahead, we preview the upcoming McKinney Competitions Circuit of Ireland in the company of Graeme Stewart, in what promises to be some enthralling battles for the weekend.
Chapters Start 00:00:00 Marty McCormack & Barney Mitchell 00:03:15 Shane Quinn 00:36:23 Aaron McIntyre 00:54:25 UAC with Graeme Stewart 01:06:26 End 01:19:48
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, Episode 14. East African Safari Classic Rally.
In this episode, we talk with Keith McIvor and David Burns following their sensational 5th overall finish at the 2025 East African Safari Classic Rally. They take us behind the wheel of one of the toughest endurance events in motorsport, sharing the highs, challenges, and defining moments of their campaign.
The journey goes far beyond competition—having raised over £30,000 to fund a clean water borehole in a Kenyan village, their story is one of real impact.
We are also joined by Clerk of the Course Andy Gilmore, who offers a fascinating look at what it takes to organise and deliver such a monumental rally as he delves into the work that is done by an incredibly small team.
Welcome to Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast.
In episode 13 of our 2026 season, we bring you the latest and most compelling stories from the rally world.
First, we interview Andy Hayes, the winning co-driver from the West Cork Rally, who shares how he and Josh Moffett achieved their victory. This was the first win for the Toyota Yaris GR Rally 2 on a round of the ITRC.
We also hear from Allan Harryman, who reflects on his WRC Rally3 success at the Safari Rally as he co-drove for George Vasilakis in the M-Sport Poland Rally 3 Fiesta. He and George won in the Rally3 category and the WRC Masters on an event that means so much to the Harryman family.
Covering events from Irish stages to the challenges of African terrain, this episode offers insight and perspective from both competitors.
Chapters
Start - 00:00:00
Andy Hayes - 00:05:30
Allan Harryman - 00:29:30
End - 00:52:35
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 12.
This week’s episode looks back at the 2026 West Cork Rally with John Dalton and Eurig Davies, the top two-wheel-drive crew in their Darrian, who reflect on their victory and explain why competing in such an iconic car means so much to them.
Frank Kelly joins us to recount how disrupted travel plans turned into an unforgettable West Cork adventure.
We also hear from Sam Touzel and Max Freeman, who share their experience of competing in Ireland this season and their impressions of the West Cork stages.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
John Dalton & Eurig Davies 00:03:10
Frank Kelly 00:29:45
Sam Touzel & Max Freeman 00:55:15
End 01:27:03
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 11.
In this episode, we look back at the opening round of the Northern Ireland Rally Championship in Bishopscourt with Jonny Greer and co-driver Niall Burns, who join us to reflect on their winning performance and a strong start to their championship campaign.
We also catch up with Osian Pryce to discuss his outing at Rally Costa Brava in the FIA European Historic Rally Championship, where he piloted a Ford Escort RS1800 run by Wales Motorsport.
Plus, we look ahead to round two of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship, the iconic West Cork Rally, as Clerk of the Course Steve Davis joins us to preview what competitors and fans can expect.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Race & Rally Stages with Jonny Greer & Niall Burns 00:03:20
Costa Brava Historics chat with Osian Pryce 00:29:50
West Cork Rally Preview with COC Steve Davis 00:56:20
End 01:15:23
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 10.
In this episode, we’re joined by Jon Desborough, the original "voice of rally". Jon is a prominent sports journalist, veteran WRC commentator and author. Jon has spent years immersed in the highs, heartbreaks, and characters that define rallying.
In this episode, he shares insights into his time commentating on the WRC for Channel 4 and ITV, as well as what led him to transition into writing rally fiction novels during the COVID lockdown. From behind-the-scenes stories to reflections on rallying’s greatest eras and personalities, this episode offers a fascinating look at the sport through the eyes of someone who has dedicated his career to telling its story
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2026 Season, episode 9.
In this episode, we’re joined by Niall McGonigle to reflect on his victory at the Fivemiletown Spring Stages Rally.
We also review the Mayo Stages Rally with overall winner David Kelly, plus the two-wheel-drive victors Brian Lavelle and Jack Kelly.
Finally, we look ahead to the upcoming Northern Ireland Rally Championship season with Championship Coordinator Gavin Campbell, discussing what competitors and fans can expect in the months ahead.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
FMT with Niall McGonigle 00:02:20
Mayo - David Kelly 00:19:50
Mayo Brian Lavelle & Jack Kelly 00:28:50
NI Championship - Gavin Campbell 00:45:40
End 01:02:09
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 8.
In this episode, we’re joined by Rich Millener, Team Principal of the M-Sport Ford, to discuss the team’s start to the 2026 World Rally Championship season and the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in the opening rounds. We’re also chat to Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne to reflect on their transition into Rally1 machinery and how they are settling into life at the top level with two rounds of the championship now complete.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Rich Millener 00:02:15
Jon Armstrong & Shane Byrne 00:37:50
End 01:13:56
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 7.
In this episode, we sit down with William Creighton and Liam Regan to discuss their major announcement for 2026. Backed by the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, Creighton will step up to contest a full campaign in the European Rally Championship with Tagai Racing Technology, representing Stellantis Motorsport across the seven-round series. The reigning British Rally Championship winner reflects on the significance of his first full ERC programme, as the long-standing partnership with Regan enters its 13th season. The pair will begin their campaign on the first round of the ERC in Spain, competing in a Citroën C3 Rally2 before transitioning later in the year to the all-new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 6.
In this episode, we look ahead to the Fivemiletown Spring Stages Rally, organised by Omagh Motor Club and forming a round of the NI Gravel Rally Challenge. We’re joined by Clerk of the Course Ronnie McAleer and Deputy Clerk of the Course Lewis Boyd to discuss the event preparations, the stages and what competitors can expect.
We also preview the Mayo Stages Rally, the opening round of the National Rally Championship, with insights from Clerk of the Course Stephen McGing, Event Secretary Ruthann O’Connor and PRO Andy Walsh as they outline plans for the season curtain-raiser.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Ronnie McAleer & Lewis Boyd from Omagh Motor Club 00:02:10
Stephen McGing, Ruthann O'Connor & Andy Walsh 00:21:40
End 00:54:00
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 5.
We look back at the opening round of the Irish Forestry Championship, the Yeats Ridge Forestry Rally, with winning co-driver Martin Brady, 2nd placed Keelan Grogan (competing for the first time on gravel in a Rally2 Fiesta), and 3rd placed Jordan Hone, who debuted his Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.
We are joined by Declan O’Keeffe, Carrie Ryan, Lauren Doherty, Evan Stapleton and Eddie Byrne to reflect on the recent Dacia Sandero Challenge Cup open day at Mondello Park and to discuss how you can get involved as we look forward to the 2026 championship getting underway on the Mayo Stages Rally.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00 Yeats Ridge review with Martin, Keelan & Jordan 00:03:00
Dacia Sandero Challenge chat with Carrie, Lauren, Evan, Eddie & Declan 00:35:45
End 01:16:04
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 4.
In this episode, we look back at the dramatic Corrib Oil Galway Rally with overall winner Callum Devine, who shares his thoughts on the season opener. Galway has definitely set a high bar for the first round of the NAPA Irish Rally Tarmac Championship.
We are also joined by second-placed co-driver Tom Murphy and winning two-wheel-drive co-driver Killian McArdle, as they reflect on their rallies and key moments from the event.
We also chat to RallyTV commentator Mike Chen, who gives his expert analysis of the opening round of the World Rally Championship in Monte Carlo and the stories that shaped the season opener.
Chapters
Start 00:00:00
Callum Devine 00:04:25
Tom Murphy & Killian McArdle 00:18:40
Mike Chen 00:44:05
End 01:18:20
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast, 2026 Season, episode 3.
Helen Tait Wright and Marcella Kirk talk to us about their recent exploits on the 2026 Dakar Rally, taking on more than 8,000 kilometres of punishing terrain, extreme temperatures, and relentless navigation challenges, against a field dominated by seasoned international teams, they secured an impressive finish in their class in their specially modified 1988 Land Rover Defender 110, affectionately known as “Purdey.”
Helen and Marcella wanted to thank: Chris Stodel, Felix Prendergast, Jonathan Lane, family & friends who have lived the adventure from Day 1 and the staff at Marcella’s business who kept things running while they were away.
Their sponsors include: Eurospare parts, Allisport Ltd, Exol Lubricants, Teng Tools, Giti Tire, Santana Trophy, World Storytelling Café, RJ Auto Electrical, 4 x Proyect, Flarespace, Mahker, Red Canoe Brands, Exmoor Trim, Deja Vu Bar and Tapas, Solihull Sisterhood, Safety Devices, Empire Tuning, Demand Engineering, Arrow Precision Engineering, Marsland Chassis, Blue Lizard Signs, Stauff UK, Coburn Fasteners, TM Pearson, GTF Automotive.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Season 2026, Episode 2.
In this episode, we look ahead to an exciting 2026 WRC season with Hyundai driver Hayden Paddon as he makes his return to the World Rally Championship after an eight year absence.
We also hear from award winning motorsport journalist Luke Barry then we speak to Hyundai Chief Engineer Jamie McMillan, each offering their unique insights as the season kicks off with the iconic Monte Carlo Rally.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. Episode One
The 2026 season kicks off with a celebration of European Historic rallying. In episode one, we turn the spotlight on the FIA European Historic Rally Championship alongside father and son Ernie and Will Graham, Fintan McGrady, Barney Mitchell, Tim Metcalfe, Dean Beckett, and Alan Bolton. Our guests share their experiences of competing on some of Europe’s most iconic historic rallies, reliving unforgettable events, cars, and the adventures that come with them. Beyond the machinery, the conversation captures the spirit of a different era of rallying — one defined by camaraderie, shared stories, and a service area where competitors socialised long after the stages were finished.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 54.
We sit down with Josh McErlean, Eoin Treacy, Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne following their confirmation as part of the M-Sport World Rally Team’s 2026 WRC line-up. The lads share their initial reactions, discuss what the opportunity means for their careers, and outline the preparation and expectations as they look ahead to the challenges of the 2026 World Rally Championship.
As we close out the year, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our guests who have been so generous with their time and insights on the podcast.
We are equally grateful to our listeners and viewers for joining us each week and for the continued support and encouragement. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Special guest appearance by Ollie Glendinning on the tin whistle.
Krunching Gears - The Rally Podcast. 2025 Season, episode 53.
Craig Rahill and Conor Smith talk to us about their exciting announcement to step up to the Junior World Rally Championship for the 2026 season in a Fiesta Rally3. Craig & Conor’s rookie season in this year’s Junior European Rally Championship saw them finished third overall, voted FIA ERC Rookie of the Year, and also secure the first international win for the Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF.
Also on this episode, we are joined by the renowned motorsport journalist Tom Howard to review the 2025 World Rally Championship. Tom is best known for his coverage of the WRC for Autosport magazine and Motorsport.com.
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