England swaps tarmac for timber as Junior Title heats up at Moonraker Forest Rally

Cavan rally driver Oran England and Sligo co-driver Darragh Mullen return to the gravel this Saturday, (April 18), for the EARS Motorsport Moonraker Forest Rally.

Based in Youghal with service in Dungarvan, the rally offer six high-speed stages totalling 65km and the pair will tackle it in their Lough Owel Motors backed Peugeot 208 Rally4.

The event marks a shift in the 2026 season. After taking class wins on the tarmac in Mayo and Birr, England and Mullen move back to the loose surface for round two of the National Forest Rally Championship.

It is also round three of the Motorsport Ireland Junior Rally Series (MIJRS).

England sits second in the MIJRS standings, trailing rival Ben McFall by three points.

With both drivers on one win each this year (McFall on gravel and England on tarmac) Saturday’s rally is a critical moment for England to claim top spot.

The Peugeot Ireland supported crew's focus is on the technical challenge of the Waterford and Cork forests. England is ready for the challenge: "I’m buzzing to get back to the gravel this weekend. We’ve had a great run on the tar lately, so the confidence is high, but I know the mindset has to completely change for the woods."

"It’s only three points, but in this Junior series, every second counts. The Peugeot 208 Rally4 is the best bit of kit for these stages, and with Darragh on the notes, we’re going to give it a proper go. It’s about being fast but being smart."

Mullen, a member of the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, brings massive experience to the car as the reigning British Junior champion.

Oran England Motorsport is supported by: Peugeot Ireland; TEE Fire Safety Solutions; BJD Electrical; IRL Motorsports; The Mason’s Apron; Lough Owel Motors; BSR Plant and Civil; Fortus; Streamline Coaches; OHR; CA Hire; and Kerry Motorsport News.