Peugeot Ireland-backed rally driver Oran England will step onto the international stage next month when he makes his FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) debut at JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion in Wales (September 4–6).
The announcement comes off the back of another standout performance for the Cavan driver and his Sligo co-driver Darragh Mullen, who secured a hat-trick of Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland victories aboard their Peugeot 208 Rally4 at the Bluebird Care Galway Summer Rally last weekend.
Reflecting on his Galway performance, England said: “We got first in the Stellantis Cup and we’re second in the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series, so it was a brilliant day out. Ben McFall and Danny Brady really kept us on our toes, so I’m delighted to get to the end in one piece after a tricky day. It scores great points for us and completes a hat-trick of Stellantis wins. We just have to keep pushing.”
The upcoming trip to Aberystwyth represents a major milestone in England’s career, marking his first appearance in the ERC, his first two-day international event, and just his second outing outside of Ireland.
Motivation for the Welsh expedition comes following England’s nomination for the prestigious 2026 Billy Coleman Young Rally Driver of the Year Award. Rali Ceredigion will serve as a vital fact-finding mission against Europe’s top junior talent.
The event doubles as a round of both the Probite British Rally Championship (BRC) and the Stellantis Rally Cup UK. England will go head-to-head with familiar domestic rivals using identical RC4 machinery, including current Junior BRC leader McFall and reigning Billy Coleman Award winner Kyle McBride, who competes regularly in Junior ERC. Stellantis Cup UK leader Luke Constantine will also feature in the line-up.
“Heading to Wales is going to be a huge learning experience for us,” England added. “Competing on a two-day ERC event against that caliber of opposition is exactly the step up we need to see where we measure-up internationally. It’s a busy stretch ahead, but we’re relishing the challenge.”
The journey to Wales kicks off a busy September schedule for England and Mullen. Just one week after tackling the Welsh asphalt, the crew will return home for the two-day Wexford Rally, which hosts rounds four and five of the Stellantis Rally Cup Ireland.
Outside of his Stellantis Cup campaign, England continues a formidable 2026 season as a frontrunner in the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series (MIJRS), leads Class 2 in the Triton Showers National Rally Championship, and remains a prime contender in the Irish Forestry Championship Class 2 standings.
Oran England Motorsport is supported by: Peugeot Ireland; TEE Fire Safety Solutions; McBreen Environmental; BJD Electrical; The Mason’s Apron; Lough Owel Motors; BSR Plant & Civil; Fortus; Streamline Coaches; OHR; CA Hire and Kerry Motorsport News.
