The announcement of the Craig Breen Spirit of Rallying Award has been made. Craig Breen, a former champion of the FIA Junior WRC and a dedicated supporter of grassroots rallying, will be honored by the Junior WRC championship this season with this prestigious award. The winner of the Craig Breen Spirit of Rallying Award will be chosen from the 2024 junior field, which has a record-breaking 19 participants for the first round. This award will be given to the driver who best exemplifies Breen’s exceptional qualities throughout the season. These qualities include a determination to overcome challenges, a relentless drive to complete each rally, and a positive and friendly attitude towards fellow competitors, marshals, volunteers, media, engineers, and mechanics.
This award holds a special significance for Breen, an Irishman who was widely admired for his never-give-up mentality. It was this approach that led him to secure the 2011 championship, where he fought until the last stage in Great Britain to claim a tie-break victory over Egon Kaur from Estonia. After his successful junior career, Breen went on to compete at the highest level of rallying for renowned manufacturers such as Citroën, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford, achieving an impressive total of nine podium finishes.
Tragically, Breen’s life was cut short on April 13, 2023, at the age of 33, leaving a significant void in the sport that had been his passion since childhood. Maciej Woda, the Managing Director of M-Sport Poland and the manager of Junior WRC, expressed his admiration for Breen’s contributions: “Craig had a profound impact on the Junior WRC, both as a competitor and a mentor. He always made time to offer guidance and support to our future stars. He holds a special place in my own memories as the first champion under the management of M-Sport Poland. It is crucial that we recognize his incredible influence on the championship, and we believe that this award is the most fitting tribute to his legacy.” The recipient of the award will be determined by an independent panel of judges and will be announced after the conclusion of the fifth and final round of the 2024 Junior WRC series, which will take place at the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece from September 5th to 8th.
According to the Source motorsportweek.com