Tipperary rally prodigy eyes European glory in 2026 after stellar debut season success

Casey Jay Coleman from Clonmel concluded his debut European season in style, claiming victory on the final round of the M-Sport Ford Fiesta Rally3 Trophy at Barum Czech Rally Zlin. At 22, the Irish driver has already set his sights on 2026, aiming to tackle both the full ERC3 Championship and another M-Sport Trophy campaign.

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“At just 22 years of age, the Irish youngster secured an impressive victory by winning the M-Sport and Pirelli-backed Ford Fiesta Rally3 Trophy Round in Barum Czech Rally Zlin, claiming success with an assured and confident drive. His progression of speed and consistency since I first witnessed C.J behind the wheel, combined with his positive friendly attitude, has really impressed me,” said Maciej Woda, Managing Director of M-Sport Poland.

Barum was the crowning moment of a season that took Coleman across Spain, Hungary, Poland, and Italy. Second place in the season-long Trophy standings underscored a debut campaign of rare poise. 

“It was a great year for the whole team, and we learned so much across the five events with driving experience, car set up, and pace note perfection thanks to navigators Killian McArdle, Lorcan Moore, Michael Gilbey, and Adam Coffey. Now it is time to push on to the next level,” said the Clonmel man.  The 2026 campaign promises challenge and novelty, with eight ERC3 rounds, including four new events: Royal Rally Scandinavia in Sweden, Rally Silesia in Poland, Rali Ceredigion in Wales, and Rally Five Cities in Portugal. 

McArdle reunites full-time with Coleman after their first ERC podium at Rally di Roma Capitale. “It is a fantastic opportunity for myself and Casey Jay to compete in such a wonderful Championship as the ERC, which carries significant media presence and attention. I enjoyed the podium in Rome last year, but it will be even better to not only return to events we have competed on before, but also to have four new events to look forward to,” said McArdle.

The pair will campaign a Ford Fiesta Rally3 prepared by Omagh-based RLA Autosport, whose 2025 machines proved flawless. Coleman also impressed at home, taking RC3 victory in the West Cork Rally and strong performances in Cork and Wexford.

“It has been great to compete recently in the Rally2 Skoda. We had a strong run in Wexford and Cork, which helps keep sharp for tarmac events in Europe, but I still need more experience on high-speed gravel stages. I am planning some early-season events which should benefit us for the year ahead,” said Coleman.

From Junior 1000 at 16 to Rally3 and Rally2 at European level, Coleman credits his sponsors: “It is incredible to see how far I have come…None of this would be possible without the support of sponsors, and I am grateful to those who have supported me for a long number of years, as well as those that have come on board recently to support the European Championship campaign.”

Looking ahead, the 2026 ERC kicks off in March with Rally Hungary, offering a familiar challenge but also the promise of new adventures. With Killian McArdle, Coleman aims to drive on and  make Irish rallying history in Europe.

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