DONEGAL COUNTDOWN: WRC star McErlean set for childhood dream debut
M-Sport Ford World Rally Team driver Josh McErlean will make his long-awaited Donegal International Rally debut this weekend from June 19-21. The WRC contender is set to fulfil a childhood dream on Ireland’s biggest rally.
The Donegal International Rally has been a fixture in McErlean’s life for years. Before competing at the highest level of world rallying, the Derry man watched his heroes tackle the county’s roads from the famous Donegal hedges.
Now a full-time WRC driver with M-Sport Ford, the 26-year-old gets to experience the event from inside the car. While his day-to-day focus is on competing in a Ford Puma Rally1, McErlean admits Donegal offers a rare opportunity to step away from the pressure of a WRC campaign and enjoy being behind the wheel on home soil.
“Donegal is one of those events that every Irish rally driver dreams about,” said McErlean. “I’ve stood on those hedges since I was a little lad watching the rally with my family and imagining what it would be like to compete there one day. To finally have that opportunity is incredibly special.
“In the World Rally Championship everything is very intense. You’re constantly thinking about performance, development, preparation and results. Donegal feels a little different. Of course, we’ll still be competing, but it’s also a chance to take a step back, enjoy the occasion and appreciate what a special event it really is. I want to soak it all in, enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy the fans and enjoy being back rallying at home.”
McErlean will pilot an M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally2, returning to the category after recent events in Rally1 machinery. The Fiesta arrives with a strong reputation, having delivered top performances in the WRC2 category this season with Estonian driver Romet Jürgenson.
“It’s been a while since I’ve competed in a Rally2 car, so there will naturally be plenty to get used to,” he explained. “The Fiesta has been proving just how competitive it is this year and everyone at M-Sport has done a fantastic job with the car. But it’s still a different package to what I’m used to in the Puma Rally1.
“We’ll have a different car, different tyres and, perhaps most importantly, stages that I don’t know at all. A lot of the crews competing regularly in Ireland have huge experience of these roads. For me, the key will be to relax into it, build confidence stage by stage and enjoy the experience; it’s a very special opportunity.”
McErlean is used to seeing tricolours lining the stages at WRC events around the globe, but he is looking forward to experiencing that home support in Letterkenny.
“No matter where we go in the world, whether it’s Sweden, Portugal, Finland or Japan, you always see Irish flags on the stages,” he said. “The support we receive from Irish fans is unbelievable and something we’re very proud of. To finally experience that at Donegal, where rallying means so much to so many people, is something I’m really excited about. Everyone talks about the atmosphere in Donegal, and I’ve seen it as a spectator for years. To now be part of it is going to be amazing.”
The appearance has required a big push behind the scenes, squeezed into a packed international schedule. McErlean heads directly to Greece for the Acropolis Rally almost immediately after the event concludes.
“It’s definitely going to be a busy few days,” he smiled. “We’ll be heading straight off to Greece for Acropolis almost as soon as the rally finishes, so it’s going to be tight. But opportunities like this don’t come around very often, and when the chance to do Donegal came along, it was impossible to say no.
“A huge thank you must go to M-Sport for providing the Fiesta Rally2 and to all of our partners who have come on board to help make this happen. It’s been a mammoth effort from everyone involved behind the scenes and I’m incredibly grateful for all of the support. Hopefully we can put on a good show, enjoy the weekend and make some fantastic memories. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in Letterkenny.”
McErlean is backed for the event by Woodland NI, Kelly Motorsport, Crosshill Enviro, UCAR, Jefferson Professional Tools and Equipment, Merrow Hotel and Spa, McCormack Contracting Inc, Adams Transport, Admore Air Conditioning, KG Motorsport, and Pirelli.
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