The WRC family, in collaboration with the FIA, has retired the number 42 for the remainder of 2023 as a further tribute to Craig’s memory.
However while that was an honourable thing to have done I believe the rally community needs to be united and continue Craig Breen’s legacy locally and worldwide. Here are some key topics which I hope will be achievable in the near future.
The Junior 1000 Series
It was revealed earlier this year that Breen would personally be sponsoring the Junior 1000 series for young drivers – offering vouchers and driver tuition to competitors.
The series comprises five gravel rallies in Ireland and is open to drivers aged between 14 and 18 driving sub-1,000cc cars with limited performance modifications.
Breen’s sponsorship included a prize fund worth €1,250 in vouchers per event, ranging from performance-related awards to draws that will take place across the year, with both rookie and experienced competitors equally open to claiming a prize.
Support Our Local Talent
Breen set the foundations for upcoming Irish rally starts to make an impact in the WRC. We have seen stars like William Creighton and Jon Armstrong achieving JWRC podiums and events within the past year.
Here’s hoping that they will get the financial backing & support and be allowed to express themselves at one of the biggest rallying events in the world.
Support Motorsport Ireland
Whatever is being a volunteer or a sponsor give these guys a helping hand if possible
WITH THE SUPPORT OF MOTORSPORT IRELAND, MY CAREER HAS PROPELLED FROM A NATIONAL LEVEL OF RALLYING TO COMPETING ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE.
JOSH MCERLEAN, MOTORSPORT IRELAND YOUNG RALLY DRIVER OF THE YEAR 2019
Rally UK/Ireland
This has been quite the stumbling block over the last few years. This has got to happen! Bob Willis has done his best to try and get this event held in Northern Ireland but whatever it has been from Covid or from a financial point of view everything has came to a halt.
The last time the UK featured on the WRC’s global tour was back in 2019 – the final year the Welsh government backed the rally – but several attempts have tried, but failed, to return the rally to the schedule ever since.
2009 was the last time it was held in Ireland. The north–south event is the largest sporting occasion on the island of Ireland with over 250,000 spectators and a TV audience in 180 countries.
If we ever this this event being held on these shores once again I hope the organisers will remember Craig Breen in a dignified way. Breen was always a keen supporter in giving something back to his fans.
I hope that they will return the favour in honour of Craig Breen.
The authoritative message :), is tempting…