In December, M-Sport Ford unexpectedly announced that Josh McErlean would step up from WRC2 to compete in the premier WRC category. While drivers typically grab the spotlight, a great co-driver is equally vital. After all, without a reliable navigator, even the fastest driver would falter.
McErlean’s co-driver, Eoin Treacy, has experienced a meteoric rise. In 2022, Treacy was competing in the Rally4 category. By the next season, he advanced to Rally3 class alongside Johnnie Mulholland in a Ford Fiesta. Last year, he teamed up with Jon Armstrong in Rally2 category, and now he’s preparing for the WRC’s premier class alongside McErlean.
In just over two years, Treacy has rocketed from grassroots events to rallying’s biggest stage.
“Obviously at this level of the sport there’s nine to 11 seats, depending on the way you look at it,” Treacy told Dirtfish.
“It’s a small place to be. It’s hard to see yourself being there, especially when there’s so many Rally2 guys all battling to get those Rally1 seats, so when you look at the numbers you’re like that’s a hard place to be. But yeah… suddenly you’re there.”
Names like Martijn Wydaeghe, Jonne Halttunen, and Martin Järveoja have long been associated with WRC success. Now, Treacy finds himself among these elite co-drivers—a reality that still leaves him in awe.
“Yeah, They’re world champions and rally winners – those guys have seen it all you know, so it’s crazy to be joining them,” Treacy said.
Treacy’s journey began much like many others in the sport: inspired by his father’s passion. He got his first taste of rallying at age 16 and quickly fell in love with the adrenaline and strategy involved.
“When I turned 16 I got my license and we did a forestry rally just to see what it was like. I honestly didn’t know what to expect, and then it turned out my dad’s navigator wasn’t available for the Cork 20, which would be our local international. So I took the chance to sit in,” Treacy recalled.
“And at that rally I met Greg Shinners, who won the BRC in 2009 with Keith (Cronin), so he gave me a lot of encouragement. I was still in school, so I was only doing one to two rallies a year and doing some local navigation trials.”
After finishing university, Treacy joined the Irish motorsport academy, which he credits for accelerating his progress. Despite his rapid rise, Treacy now faces a significant challenge at the pinnacle of rallying.
“He’s a top lad, very relaxed and easy going, doesn’t show any pressure and stays cool even when things are getting stressful. His pacenote delivery and timing is extremely good, like a machine gun rattling them off!,” said Jon Armstrong, Treacy’s former driver.
Armstrong is confident Treacy will adapt quickly, just as he did in the lower categories.
“There’s a learning period for him and Josh of course, but Eoin will be able to get to grips with everything and is good at making friends in a team,” Armstrong added.
Treacy himself highlighted the value of his 2024 season with M-Sport.
“Last year was a huge step up. Walking in the door of Dovenby Hall last March, ahead of the ERC, that was surreal,” he said.
Treacy and McErlean’s first WRC outing is just around the corner. The 2025 season kicks off with the legendary Monte Carlo Rally on January 23.
