Sport

Kilrea driver Josh McErlean has Hyundai WRC2 hopes

Kilrea driver Josh McErlean's Hyundai i20 car for the 2023 WRC2.
Kilrea driver Josh McErlean's Hyundai i20 car for the 2023 WRC2. Kilrea driver Josh McErlean's Hyundai i20 car for the 2023 WRC2.

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean will head into his FIA World Rally Championship WRC2 campaign in 2023 with an impressive list of supporters, as local and global brands rally around to support the progressive youngster this season.

McErlean, 23 years old from Kilrea, Derry will once again pilot a PCRS Rallysport-run Hyundai i20 N Rally2 and will kick-start his season with the legendary Monte Carlo from January 19 to 21.

"It's a real privilege to have the support of these fantastic businesses as I head into my second season in the World Rally Championship" say McErlean.

"I'm honoured to have such great backing form the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy and the support from these brands is a real boost for the season ahead. It's invaluable to have them on board and it really does have an international feel to the team this year.

"We have a lot of hard work still ahead of us for the remainder of the season, but starting at Rallye Monte Carlo, an event I haven't done before, I`ll be doing my very best to make them proud. It's the start of a very incredible journey together and it's great to have them by my side."

Joining him on both the iconic Monaco-based rally and throughout the season, McCormack Contracting Inc will back McErlean and co-driver John Rowan in 2023.

Highly regarded semi-trailer manufacturer SDC Trailers are another brand to return to the fold in their support of McErlean this season.

Antrim-based business Woodland will also join the WRC campaign trail, while Jefferson Professional Tools and Equipment from Kilrea itself are another welcome returnee for the season ahead. Resuming their support for 2023, Fastener Connections re-join the squad.

New to the squad, HVAC Construction will join the team for the first time this season, providing vital backing to McErlean's intense season in the hotly-contested series.