ERC
Junior ERC hopeful McBride triple boosted for 2026
Kyle McBride has received a further boost as he prepares to contest the FIA Junior ERC Championship in 2026.
The 22-year-old has been chosen as the winner of the Billy Coleman Award as Ireland’s young rally driver of the year.
In addition to the recognition that comes with receiving the prestigious accolade – won by Junior ERC star event winner Craig Rahill in 2024 – McBride will receive support to the value of €50,000 from Motorsport Ireland and Sport Ireland for the 2026 season.
A support package, to a value of up to €50,000, will also be available from the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy as part of an agreed training and development programme designed to progress the winner’s career.
Two Rali Ceredigion runs have given McBride ERC experience
© ERC
“Absolutely delighted to win the Billy Coleman Award,” McBride said at last week’s Motorsport Ireland Champions of Irish Motorsport Awards in Dublin. “It’s been my third time getting into it so third time lucky. Huge thanks to the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, my family, my sponsors, my friends, the team for preparing my car. Huge thanks to all these people for being a part of my journey. Onwards and upwards. I’m looking forward to a busy year next year.”
McBride, 22, was already set for a Junior ERC campaign in 2026 after he won the Stellantis Motorsport Rally Cup IRE & UK, which carries a support package of €50,000 for use in the Hankook-supplied series. However, his Billy Coleman Award win and the additional backing from the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy have cemented his campaign for next season.
McBride is pictured left with Red Bull-backed Fionn McLaughlin, the winner of the Sexton Trophy for the Young Racing Driver of the Year.
