Final Countdown for Stellantis Cup crews as Europe awaits

Entering into the final three round run in, by the end of October - the 2025 Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK champion will be crowned. The first of the triple-header is the only visit to the Tarmac in the UK - Rali Ceredigion is next up for the Stennaltis crews. Ceredigion is one of the biggest and busiest events on the calendar as the Welsh event also hosts the FIA European Rally Championship and Probite British Rally Championship this weekend.

The battle for Stellantis Cup honours has been a titanic affair in 2025 - as the series organised and promoted by Race & Rally, Michelin Motorsport, Protyre Motorsport Ireland and LP Tents this season has seen five different drivers stand on the podium. The title they are all chasing is the prestigious Stellantis Cup as well as one of the biggest prizes in Irish and UK rallying - a substantial support package consisting of championship registration, entries and tyres for five rounds worth up to €40,000, for the FIA European Rally Championship in 2026.

Rali Ceredigion (5-7 September) will give crews an early taste of what it is like to compete at a higher international level too, as acting as a yardstick will be reigning Stelantis Cup holder Ioan Lloyd who will be entering his home event. The chasing quartet from the class of 2025 will be able to measure themselves up against Junior ERC podium visitor Lloyd in his own backyard.

Coming into Wales, three drivers can now realistically win the title - with all eyes on the cup chasing trio. Joseph Kelly and Killian McArdle have been top of the tree this season, with the Peugeot 208 Rally4 crew noticing up three wins from the five rounds to date. The crash in Clonakilty on the first round has been long forgotten, as Kelly and McArdle at times have been untouchable - building the perfect cup run with three rounds remaining. The Irish crew haven't done the event since 2022, so they will be hoping they can shake some of that initial rust off quickly, if they want to stand a chance of taking their second win on asphalt in 2025.

The only other crew to have chalked up a victory this season are Kyle McBride and Darragh Mullen in their Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy backed Peugeot 208 Rally4. The duo won in Cork and Donegal - so know what it takes to command the big Tarmac events. With two years of recent Rali Ceredigion appearances under the belt - a win will be important to keep that title ambition burning for the Irish crew.

The third driver - still with a chance of snatching the end of season prize is Irish teenager Kalum Graffin and co-driver Mark McGeehan. Graffin has finished on the podium in all but one of the rounds to date - with his consistent approach putting him third in the standings, while keeping a watchful eye on those in front. The Peugeot 208 Rally4 team have what it takes to win having demonstrated class winning performances in Ireland and the UK this season - and victory here in Wales would allow them to show they are serious title contenders.

Not in the championship hunt - but keen to continue their fine form is Sam Mason and James Seymour, as they guided their Peugeot 208 Rally4 to a debut cup podium last time out on the Grampian. The British pairing might have the least experience of the four teams lining up on the startline this week - but that won't stop them seeking a Cup best result. With no pressure for points, this could well benefit Mason and Seymour as they hope to mix it in the classification with the Irish trio ahead of them.

The event starts on Friday evening with a crowd-pleasing blast through the centre of Aberystwyth before a long and arduous Saturday sees a return back to the streets of Aberystwyth for another showpiece run on Saturday night. Super Sunday will host a short-sharp four stage blast to see who will be the winner in Wales. Making it even more exciting, is the addition of the Race & Rally vouchers offered to the podium finishers. The winner in Ceredigion will receive €3,000, while second and third in the Welsh lanes will take home €1,500 and €1,000 respectively.

For more information on the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK visit: https://stellantismotorsportcup.com/