This weekend, Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver Josh McErlean is set to make history as the first academy representative to compete in a World Rally Championship (WRC) round outside of Europe. Partnered with co-driver James Fulton—known for navigating the late Craig Breen—McErlean will pilot a Toksport World Rally Team Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 at Rally Japan.
McErlean expressed his excitement about the milestone event: “Preparing for the last round of the World Championship and immersing myself in this culture has always been a dream of mine,” he shared. “It’s surreal to finally be here, ticking this off my bucket list. We completed our test on Sunday, and the fans’ passion is simply unmatched. Being in Toyota City and seeing the crowds—it’s crazy to think we’ve made it this far. The progress over the past few years has been incredible, and reaching the final round of the WRC is something we can all take pride in.”
A unique challenge in the Aichi and Gifu regions
The rally, held across the diverse landscapes of the Aichi and Gifu regions, promises to be one of the season’s toughest. Combining fast, technical tarmac stages with complex layouts, it will test drivers’ skills and concentration.
“It’s a super tricky event, with brand-new tarmac for us,” McErlean explained. “The stages are highly technical, with slow-speed sections and constant corners—no real straights to speak of. Then there are kerbs, drains, and other hazards waiting to catch you out. Our focus during recce will be critical to ensure accurate pacenotes. That said, we’re also aiming to improve on our performance from the Central European Rally. We’ve made significant progress with the car and my driving, and I’m excited to see how we measure up.”
McErlean’s route note team, Desi Henry and Shane Byrne, who contributed to his impressive fifth-place finish at the Central European Rally, will again play a crucial role.
“The weather looks dry for now, but conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Last year, there was even snow in some areas,” McErlean said. “Desi and Shane have a big task ahead, but I trust them completely. We’ll aim for a strong start, push when we can, and hopefully wrap up the year on a high note, ready to tackle 2025.”
Support from Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy
Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy founder and patron John Coyne, who arrived in Toyota City early to scout key locations, also reflected on McErlean’s growth.
“Josh has made significant strides in pace throughout 2024,” Coyne noted. “Most of his events this year were on gravel, so we added this additional tarmac rally after his strong showing at the Central European Rally, where he finished fifth. We’re optimistic about a solid finish to the season.”
Irish talent shines on the global stage
Rally Japan will see other notable Irish competitors in action. Co-driver Aaron Johnston teams up with local hero Takamoto Katsuta in a Toyota Yaris Rally1. The duo, who won nine stages in 2023, arrive at Katsuta’s home rally after a strong performance at the Central European Rally.
Meanwhile, veterans Eamonn Boland and MJ Morrisey return to Rally Japan for a third time, this year behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally2.
Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy member Jon Armstrong also contributes to the event, providing on-site coaching for Toyota Gazoo Racing’s Rally Challenge Programme crew, Yuki Yamamoto and Marko Salminen, who are competing in a Toyota Yaris GR Rally2.
As the motorsport world turns its focus to Japan, McErlean’s debut marks a significant achievement for both the driver and the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy. All eyes will be on him as he aims to cap off an already impressive year with a strong performance on one of the WRC’s most challenging stages.