ERC
ERC questions answered by… Casey Jay Coleman
A frontrunner in the FIA ERC3 Championship and ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy-backed Casey Jay Coleman, 23, answers 10 questions from FIAERC.com.
Why did you choose the ERC for 2026? “After competing in the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy last year, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I decided for the 2026 season it was the best option to prove my speed against some very fast drivers from all over Europe in a mix of events.”
What target did you set yourself for this season? “To compete at the sharp end of the ERC3 championship and ultimately win both the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy as well as the ERC3 title.”
Season began with a podium in Spain
© ERC
What were you hoping to learn from competing in the ERC this year? “The ERC has a fantastic variety of events right across Europe. I believe the experience a season in this championship can provide a young driver like myself is essential for my progression in the sport. Also, the discipline required over a rally week is essential.”
Who’s your rallying hero and why? “My rallying hero is Craig Breen, without a doubt, I spent many years following Craig around the world with my dad in both ERC and WRC. I have many fond memories to remember from these times and Craig inspired me in many ways to try my hardest in this sport. Craig’s passion and attitude for rallying is something I still really admire. I think about Craig every time I put on my helmet to drive a rally car.”
Comeback drive from 15th to second in Poland was a highlight
© ERC
What’s your greatest achievement in rallying/motorsport so far? “For me, finishing second place in the ERC Fiesta Rally3 Trophy last year was the most high-profile achievement in my career.”
Looking back to your first rally, when was it and where, what car did you drive and what happened? “My first rally was in 2019, my local gravel event at home in Carrick on Suir, I was just 16 driving a 1- litre Nissan Micra in the Junior 1000 series. At the time I thought I was Colin McRae but a couple of trips into ditches and dikes wisely brought me back to earth. Still, we got a finish and a super fun day.”
Non-finish in Zlín served as blow to Coleman's title chances
© ERC
Looking to the future, where do you hope to be in five years? “I hope to be rallying as a job, it’s really my only main interest.”
If you weren’t a rally driver, what sport would you like to do? “I played a lot of rugby when I was younger and won a Munster Schools Junior Cup when I was 17. Also, for sure hurling (GAA) was a big one for me growing up.”
Coleman finished second on the last ERC3 round in Wales
© ERC
When you are not competing what do you do to keep busy? “I like to go the gym and spend time with friends and family while not competing. Also I like to go to rallies at home in Ireland to do some jobs and support friends and fellow Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy members competing.”
Tell us something interesting about yourself? “For work I drive a truck most days in our business, which is something quite different to a lot of other drivers I reckon.”
