Cavan driver Oran England and Sligo co-driver Darragh Mullen delivered a standout performance at JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion in Wales, securing a Junior British Rally Championship round victory on their debut appearance in the series.
Driving their Peugeot Ireland-backed Peugeot 208 Rally4, the pair overturned a 15-second deficit on Saturday morning to edge out UK Stellantis Cup leader Luke Constantine by 2.1 seconds on the seafront stages in Aberystwyth. The result gave England both the Junior BRC leg victory and his first win in the Stellantis Cup UK.
“It was a tight but fun day,” said England. “There were lots of bumps and crests along the way, it was nip and tuck with Luke all day, but we got here. It has been a great experience, and we are delighted to come away with a win in what was our first time over here.”
Co-driver Darragh Mullen added: “It is really nice to stand at the top of the podium again.”
Crucially for their development, the Irish crew regularly set top-six stage times against Junior European Rally Championship regulars. Competing on unfamiliar roads against drivers with multiple events at this level, the pace provided an ideal benchmark for England on his international debut.
A retirement on Sunday’s penultimate stage halted their progress on the final day, but the event delivered valuable international experience. England and Mullen take a short break before returning to action in mid-October as preparations continue for next month’s Billy Coleman Award interviews.
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.
