The all-new Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland gets underway this weekend at the Birr Stages Rally
The all-new Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland gets underway this weekend at the Birr Stages Rally [29 March], with an exceptional entry list confirming the series’ status as one of the most exciting and accessible pathways in Irish rallying.
Following the launch of the revamped 2026 format, anticipation has been high, but the response has exceeded all expectations. A capacity entry of Rally4 machinery will line up in Nenagh, highlighting the Cup’s continued appeal to both ambitious young drivers and passionate competitors alike, all chasing a career-defining prize at the end of the season.
Promoted by Race & Rally and supported by Michelin Motorsport, crews in either Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa or Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally4 examples will also battle for valuable on-event rewards, with €3,000 in parts vouchers up for grabs at each round, adding further incentive to an already fiercely competitive field.
The 2026 season marks a fresh chapter for the Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland, with a cost-effective, all-asphalt calendar designed to maximise competition while minimising costs. Based in County Tipperary, the opening round at Birr provides the perfect stage to launch the campaign, with crews tackling a demanding route of over 107km across three stages, each run three times.
A eleven-strong field will contest the opening round, featuring a blend of rising stars, experienced competitors and proven frontrunners.
Among them is Danny Brady/Liam Callaghan, who have enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks since starting rallying in 2022. After success in the Junior 1000 category and an impressive debut season in senior rallying, Brady steps up to Rally4 machinery for 2026 and will be one to watch.
Andrew Slattery/Shaun Forde returns to the Cup after contesting the opening round in 2025, where he secured a solid fifth-place finish. Having progressed from a Peugeot 208 R2, he brings valuable experience into the new campaign.
Ross Hunter/Sean Douglas continues his development in Rally4 after climbing the ladder from a Peugeot 205 through Mitsubishi Evo machinery. A strong result at Donegal last season and an impressive start to his own 2026 campaign in Scotland mark him as a potential contender.
There are several exciting newcomers to Rally4 in the field. David Hunt/Gillian Gilmartin make the step up after success in R2 machinery, while Dean Murphy/David Murphy continues rapid progression after just 14 events to date, already showing strong pace in 2025.
The super-experienced John O’Rourke/Derek Lynch are another notable entry, campaigning the first right-hand-drive Opel Corsa Rally4 cars in Ireland, while Niall O’Sullivan/Michael Hamilton brings international experience, usually seen competing in Belgium.
Oran England is an exciting addition to the lineup, switching to a Peugeot 208 Rally4 for 2026 after a promising start to his rally career. With reigning Junior BRC champion co-driver Darragh Mullen alongside, the pairing could prove a formidable force.
Experience within the Cup comes from Michael Fitzgibbon/Carrie Ryan, now in his third season and a previous podium finisher, while Jack Byrne/Dylan Harrington continues his progression after stepping up from a Ford Ka to Rally4 machinery, already securing class podiums and a victory.
Rounding out the entry is Robert Cronin/Paddy Heffernan, who continues to acclimatise to the Opel Corsa Rally4 after gaining experience in 2025. Coming from a family steeped in rallying success, he will be aiming to make his mark on the series.
One notable absentee from the opener is Jack Fennessy, although he is expected to join the championship in the coming rounds.
With a funded drive in the Hungarian Zemplén Rally and an exclusive test in the Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally2 awaiting the champion, the Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland continues to offer a clear and competitive pathway to the international stage.
The strength of the Birr entry is a clear indication that the season is set to deliver another closely fought campaign, and as the season begins on the lanes of Tipperary, the battle for Cup honours is set to be as intense as ever.
Backed by Race & Rally the series enjoys support from Michelin Motorsport. For more information on the Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland visit: https://stellantismotorsportcup.com/