Oran England secures first Billy Coleman Award nomination for 2026
Oran England has received the first nomination for the 2026 Motorsport Ireland Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver of the Year Award, covering the opening selection period from January to May.
Oran England, right, with his co-driver Darragh Mullen at the Moonraker Forestry Rally in Waterford in April, their last loose surface event.
Photo: Motorsport Ireland Forest Rally Championship
Oran England in action in his Peugeot Ireland backed Peugeot 208 Rally4. Photo: Dermot Kelleher
The 21-year-old driver from Virginia, County Cavan, has campaigned a Peugeot Ireland-supported Peugeot 208 Rally4 this season. During the initial nomination window, he secured class victories on the Mayo Stages Rally, the Birr Stages Rally, and the Circuit of Munster.
His early-season performances have put him at the top of the standings in Triton Showers Motorsport Ireland National Rally Championship and the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series
In addition, England top the standings in both the Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland and leads his class in the Sligo Pallets Border Rally Championship,
England transitioned to rallying in 2024 following a karting career that yielded two national titles, including the Junior X30 Championship in 2017 and the Senior X30 title in 2022.
“It’s an honour to receive the nomination and it’s been something I have been targeting since I started rallying in 2024,” England said. “I have to thank my family who have been a huge support, and I also have to say a special thank you to Odhran Henry and Odhran Henry Racing for all the knowledge and experience they passed on to me in my years of karting. My co-drivers Damien Connolly and Darragh Mullen continue to help me develop and I’m looking forward to what the rest of this year has in store.”
Outside of his motorsport commitments, England is currently completing his work placement with Michael Slattery Associates in Dublin as part of his Fire Safety Engineering degree at ATU Letterkenny.
The winner of the Billy Coleman Award will receive a support package valued at €50,000 to contest rallies nationally and internationally in 2027, with additional development funding up to €50,000 available through the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.
Oran England Motorsport is supported by: Peugeot Ireland; TEE Fire Safety Solutions; BJD Electrical; The Mason’s Apron; Lough Owel Motors; BSR Plant & Civil; Fortus; Streamline Coaches; OHR; CA Hire and Kerry Motorsport News.
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