It Never Gets Easier: Craig Breen and How we Process the death of Racing Heroes

I can't tell you who won the WRC last year, but I can tell you who Craig Breen is. The popular, energetic, passionate, enthusiastic Irishman was killed in testing for the Croatia Rally on Thursday, and his death has rocked the rally, motorsport and Irish racing communities.
And even though I've not been following the rally stuff since the death of childhood hero Richard Burns, Breen's was a name I heard a lot as I hang out with a lot of Irish motorsport fans.
So with that, let's look at how motorsport deaths never get any easier, and how we 'don't beleive it' now vs how we didn't believe it 20 years ago. Simply because of the way we consume media now.
Enjoy! And remember to like and subscribe for more!
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[@AidanMillward]

I'm HOPING the words come across right for this. Went through about four drafts of this before I hit record.

[@SpaceHCowboy]

You carried it like the consummate professional. I expected nothing less. Rip to all our lost fallen racing brothers and sisters.

[@BoJack_HorseFly85]

Very respectful.. thank you, Aidan.

[@Davidlamb2]

Good man Aidan , not all of us are f1 boys 🇮🇪🫶🏻🤕

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

As ever you dealt with this beautifully. I've mentioned more than once that my dad was a rally driver back in the 50-60s, so even though I don't really follow rally anymore, especially since I lost my dad, I always feel like I knew any drivers & co-drivers we lose. They all have a certain something inside them (a crazy "something") which drives them to do this insane but exciting sport. Cracking send off. He'd probably have appreciated that over a typical mourning ending. 🥃 Here's to you, Craig. Go meet the others in that heavenly bar. There'll be a drink waiting.

[@RJD2809]

I think you nailed it!

[@booletz6841]

Known Craig personally as a family friend and being in my teens losing my hero it’s been hard for me and my dad who got him in with Ford r5s after he left Citroen and with the loss of block who I’ve met also it’s not been a good year so far 😢

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

I'm so sorry. This is dreadful news. It's always a shock when things like this happen. Don't bundle it up inside, feel free to grieve as much as you need to. There are no rules, no time limits on how sad you can feel. You aren't expected to say, well it's been a month, time to forget him... If anyone tells you otherwise, ignore them. But don't dwell on it, either. That will just keep you from being able to move on. Letting it out now will shorten the time that the sting lasts. And when that sting is somewhat muted, remember the fun times and all the joy and laughs you had because of him. Take care of yourself. Please offer my condolences to your father, and anyone else you know who is hurting right now.

[@neddy1287]

Sorry to hear about your friend Booletz I know what it like to lose a friend or friends in non rally related

[@theruztygaming6406]

I live in West Cork, Where we have a Rally as part of the Irish championship. I have friends who helped service cars during the weekend and the one thing everyone told me about was how much of gentleman Craig was. He went around figured out who everyone was, Chatted and overall a lot of craic. The effort he put into the Irish home grown rally scene can't be overstated and how sorely he will be missed by us here in Ireland. RIP Craig.

[@joshuaf14life]

When I found out he passed away I cried. He was a hero of mine been following him since 2011, It was a honour to see him in wales rally gb in 2018 in the C3.

[@HunterSydenhamRacing]

Im with you mate, woke up for work at 5am and had a text from dad about craig. Sat in bed reading obituaries for 30 minutes while fully balling. He wont be forgotten

[@mjk06]

Never wanted a rally driver to succeed as much as I did with Breen. Sadly when he got a full factory seat, it didn't work out but he looked back on form in Sweden with a 2nd place this year. He lost his co-driver Gareth Roberts in a crash a few years ago. So now they are rallying in peace together. So freaking sad. Honestly couldn't believe what I was reading/seeing on Thursday :(

[@cbj4sc1]

Ita been a really tough week in motorsports. Young sprint car driver Justin Owens passed away in a crash then just a few days later this happened. Then just yesterday a car entered the stands at Portimao, luckily no one got hurt in the last one. But it's been a really tough week or so. Edit: just found there has been two fatalites during the Villa de Tineo rally. RIP Julio César Castrillo and his co-driver Francisco Javier Álvarez,

[@josemoon1903]

There’s a whole motorsport community here in Ireland who are just numb at what happened. I was so close to tears as I read that Hyundai statement….shock mixed with confusion. We have the memories to look back on and the funny post stage interviews from him. We will miss Craig so much. RIP

[@shinra2755]

This👆 Broken 😞

[@neddy1287]

Same here In Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary tears flooding the River Suir

[@BoJack_HorseFly85]

Started properly watching WRC this year.. Craig immediately stood out to me with his humor and character, as well as being quick. It's not as if it's less tragic if he would have been an unlikeable asshole in the back in the pack, but it does hurt more.

[@rajjy1976]

Very shocking news. Started re-watching WRC last year when I saw ITV4 had dedicated highlights. He came across as a very likeable chap.

[@PanzerFalcon2232]

I agree, he was always happy, even when things weren't going right, he still had a cheeky chappy smile on his face.

[@ondraspendlik9759]

For me, this one hit harder than Ken Block. I'm a massive rally fan (I was a little kid back when the likes of Richard Burns, Colin McRae or Michael Park passed away, so I don't remember that) and this is the first time in my life I'm experiencing a death of a top flight rally driver. The last driver/co driver casualty in the WRC happened close to 20 years ago, which made it hit even harder. I just never expected to read something like that in my life. I thought death was out of the sport, at the very least for those who were inside the car. I've seen huge high speed crashes, and everyone survived them, often even unharmed. But this one wasn't one of them. It was probably one of those shocking and terrifying freak accidents that sometimes happen, sadly. One of those where basically no safety feature can help. I couldn't believe this could be happening. It's still hard to believe Craig is gone, too soon, too young. As for the man himself, Craig was very special. He was very likeable, funny and loved the people around him. He had the most contagious of smiles and wore it almost all the time. Rallying was his life, his biggest passion and his childhood dream. He was a proud Irishman, his biggest heroes were Irish national rally champions. Recently, he started supporting young Irish rally talents, both with advice and financially. From what I've heard, he loved his tea and a bunch of times he also pulled into a McDonald's drive through in a WRC car to order some chicken nuggets. His biggest passion were older rally cars, especially from 80s and 90s. He would often drive his dad's Metro 6R4 (his dad is a former rally driver himself), his Sierra Cosworth or his M3 E30 in local historic rallies. He lived rallying, he was very humble and always thankful for living his dream life. For the Irish rally fans, he was the biggest hero. He was basically his country's Colin McRae. He was also very emotional, his first WRC podium had him crying uncontrolably in the stage end interview, saying it was the best day of his life. His last WRC rally, the 2023 Swedish rally, was his first rally back with Hyundai after a tough 2022 season at M-Sport, and there he was, he was back, winning stages, leading the rally at one point and finishing second with just a small margin at the end, and you could see how happy he was in every stage end interview, laughing, joking around, and saying he missed this feeling. He was so happy in the car and his stage end interviews, as always (he was always very honest and was never hiding emotion), were simply one of the best. That's how I'll remember Craig Breen. As for him as a driver, Craig was very fast and super strong especially at the fastest rallies (Sweden, Finland, Estonia, etc.). His career started in the late 2000s and he had a bunch of success during his rise to the top. But there was also bad luck, though Craig fought against all odds. In 2012, during one of the rallies, he lost his co driver and best friend Gareth Roberts in a crash. Despite this, he would still claim the S2000 WRC title at the end of the season. He then finished 3rd in the ERC in 2013 and 2014 and second in 2015, all behind the wheel of Peugeot cars. In 2016, he finally got his chance to try out a WRC car in a part time programme with Citroen, and in only his third rally in a WRC car, he finished on the podium. 2 further almost full seasons didn't bring much success, and he was dropped at the end of 2018. Being forced to drive lower level rallies in 2019, Craig then built himself back up and by the end of the season, he was a part time driver for Hyundai in the WRC. During the Covid hit 2020 season, he only did two rallies in the WRC, but in one of them, he got a podium. In 2021, he did 5 rallies in the i20 WRC and got 3 straight podiums in Estonia, Belgium and Finland. M-Sport Ford then offered him a seat in their new Puma Rally1 for 2 full seasons. In his first full WRC campaign in 2022, he started of strongly with a Monte Carlo podium, but in the rest of the season, he was plagued by reliability issues and more importantly, just like Colin McRae, he crashed a lot (but the speed was definitely there). He only got one more podium that year, and despite a year left on his contract, he left to rejoin Hyundai, though, again for only a part time role. That part time role ended up being a single event in Sweden, where he amazingly finished second. He was back, but then, suddenly, he was gone. Once again, the baddest of lucks hit him. As for his WRC record, his season maximum was last year's seventh. He scored 9 podiums, 6 of which were second places. The maiden win eluded him. He was taken from us at the very top, he surely would have gotten it this year, he would have cried with happiness and looked to the sky to tell Gareth how much he missed him. He may never have won a WRC event, but he certainly won our hearts.

[@markos8400]

I've been following WRC since 2002, and never seen anyone love the sport so passionately as Craig did, be it fan or a driver. He simply lived for it. RIP Craig and thank you for everything!

[@wynty200]

I’m not entirely sure why, but Craig’s passing has effected me more than any driver I can remember. Hearing the news felt like a kick in the chest, and it still hasn’t properly sunk in.

[@TheBigDawgSL]

2001 Dale Sr died...it shook my family and my friends. My dad rarely watched NASCAR after and a friend of mine broke down in tears when I saw him. 2011 Dan Wheldon died. It shook ME. Dan and I became friends on Twitter and worked together when SimRaceWay was being built. Death of motorsports heros are never easy. Senna. Dale. Wheldon. Block. People who we look up to. People we admire. People we wish we had an nmpth of their talent behind the wheel. Motorsports will always have that danger. As fans we accept it. As fans we will cry when we lose someone to make it safer. As fans we will continue to watch to honor the memory of the one we lost.

[@SpaceHCowboy]

Go watch his reaction after Rally Sweden this year. Go watch his reaction after running Brattby in Sweden. Says it all. He just loved his work..... That's how it should be. Rip Craig. 😢

[@SpaceHCowboy]

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[@bernardoberner4]

5:28 Craig's passing actually shocked me more than Ken's. I am a huge WRC and rallying fan, and a fan of Craig. In the wrc my favourite driver is Ott Tanak, the team I support is Msport, and the other two drivers that I back, support are Elfyn Evans and Craig. I was sitting on the toilet when I read Hyundais statemant and I was abslutely shocked, I really could not believe I was reading, to read that the guy that just two months before was fighting with Ott to see who'd win the Sweden Rally, and then went on to finish in second, had passed away, in a pre event test, I was and still am, shocked

[@mrmagpiepromotions]

Craig Breen was a brilliant all or nothing driver. Incredibly fast, but often binning it. His post stage interviews were a joy. First time I saw him they asked him how a stage in bad weather went and he responded "AH t'was shite!" and I immediately became a fan. This season he smashed his favourite stage through Bratby in Sweden, opening a 7 second gap in the lead, laughed uncontrollably and declared himself The Mayor of Bratby. I hope they rename that stage in his honour.

[@sensmeggingsation90]

Whilst I don't follow WRC to the extent of F1 or other racing, Craig was my favourite driver in the current WRC. Would always check the results to see how he had done. To me he was the entertaining underdog who loved what he did. His interview in tears when he got his first podium in Finland showed how much it meant to him. Whilst I never saw him on a stage in a WRC car I watched him race at Goodwood Revival last year in a Lotus Cortina and it was a joy to watch him going sideways everywhere and how happy he was to be there. I'm absolutely devasted he's gone.

[@novaldigunturputra495]

Been following WRC since last year. I watched myself how painful last season was for Craig in M-Sport Ford. And then when he moved to Hyundai this season, he starts his campaign with a 2nd place finish, and even leading the rally at most point. He never won a WRC Rally event in his career, but I and many people believed that he could get that maiden win this year after such an amazing performance in Sweden. This season supposed to be his season. It's a massive shame that he will never experience that maiden win, especially after such a horrific season last year. And when you watch his stage-end interview in Sweden, you knew how much the podium finish meant to him. He's finally able to prove to everyone that he's back in front. And on top of being a great rally driver, he's also the motorsport hero of entire island of Ireland. A motorsport hero that's still can be "seen". He often participates in local rally, and I often see his video doing some recce or local rally with his WRC overall. It's amazing to see that. Imagine someone like Valtteri Bottas, the only Finnish driver in F1, but still participates in some car club racing in Finland in the middle of F1 season. It's unthinkable. You can see by yourself how much Craig meant for Irish people in the other comment.

[@tHebUm18]

As someone who has followed the WRC for a few years, Craig was a delight--always so happy and optimistic, even keeping his head up during a very rough year last year for Ford. He was so happy to be back at Hyundai this year, even if it was back to a half-time drive and brought it home 2nd in his only outing this year in Sweden. Such a shame, definitely the sort of guy you couldn't help but like. 😭

[@areasquirrel]

In amongst the party atmosphere in Ireland in the past week, the news managed to squeeze this in, and that was a shock. I haven't watched the WRC in a while but he was a rising star when I did watch. Both sides of the border had a hero, between Craig and also Kris Meeke. A sad reminder of the brutality of rallying, where loss like this, and also terrible Kubica-level injuries can strike in an instant. A talent unfulfilled in some ways.

[@MWPompert]

Its tough to see happen. It always reminds me of October 31st, 1999. My favourite F1 driver Damon Hill retured anonimously at Suzuka and later that evening tuned in to the CART finale to cheer on my favourite there, Greg Moore. We know what happened next. Can still recall exactly where i was watching and the shock as you realised just what was happening in front of you. Since then I never fully cheered for a specific drivers even if i liked certain characters like Button, Kimi, Sato and so on. I guess once your favourites retired or worse lose their life I avoided doing so. Godspeed Craig, I saw you briefly in Rally Finland in 2011 but will remember the joy you had for what we all love to see and admire.

[@elianioriofarrell]

This man made me feel Irish pride that I will never feel again 🇮🇪 always flat to the square right.

[@anttilampinen7823]

I really like the WRC and Craig was propably my favorite driver because he truly was passionate about rallying and you could see that. When i read the news i couldnt believe it. Still cant. I was waiting to celebrate his first win in the top level. That would have been incredible. Motorsports truly lost of its greatest personalities

[@somerandoonline5852]

This is genuinely painful, everytime we think the dark cloud of death has moved on it comes back

[@PLNPlays88]

I’m not Irish, nor did I profess to know a lot about Irish rallying, but I had a lot of admiration and respect for Craig right back to the BRC days. There was something about his 110% driving style and the pure emotion and joy he showed at being successful that you just don’t see in today’s drivers. I likened him to a modern day McRae if McRae were Irish, because the two showed the same commitment, passion, drive and enthusiasm for the sport. I’ve been processing this since the announcement and even not knowing him personally, it still has not and probably won’t sink in. There was just nobody in the modern WRC scene like Craig Breen, and this is a loss that hits so many people harder than they possibly would ever have thought. Flat to the square right craig. You’re partying and celebrating with Jaffa now.

[@ThisIsMyRodrick]

one of Ireland's greatest rally driver. And was ever so close to getting a win. Man's was fast, just unlucky. This is beyond unlucky 😞 He was gonna win this season most likely. Holy God, this is sad. Hopefully his legacy of never giving up can inspire young Irish rally drivers to get into WRC. This man was a great talent, true professional and had the passion. He was even a multiple winner on Irish Tarmac rallies. (you drove, in true Breen style there, smooth, fast and calculated). Irish hero for sure. RIP.

[@wiegraf9009]

I'm not Irish but I really felt for Craig through the gruelling year he had last year with M Sport, and seeing him crying tears of joy in Rally Sweden after almost magically being on top of the leaderboard again was wonderful. He was an inspiration and his kindness shone through in everything you saw him do. I really feel for everyone close to him. Evans' words at the end of this weekend's rally hit hard. Like yourself, the first thing I did after I heard the news was talk it over and then go for a full send in RBR. He never won a WRC1 rally but he'll always be a legend, and that's something greater than a rally win.

[@PanzerFalcon2232]

People say "motor sport isn't as dangerous as x,y,z..." but when you list every single motorsport death in history, it really puts people in their place. RIP Craig

[@AidanMillward]

Think it’s because our generation, well, people my age, aren’t as used to it as my dad would have been. Plus the attitudes have changed to it.

[@DjDolHaus86]

Motorsports is always going to be a mortal dice roll, we've added more sides to the dice over the years but if you keep rolling long enough your number will eventually come up.

[@mattwilliams5427]

@@AidanMillward I've been following motorsports since the early 1990's and - whenever we lose someone - I run a list through my head of all the drivers and riders I've seen or heard pass on way too soon... The list may not be as long as my dad's generation, but it's still a lot (not in any particular order, spelling suspect and asterisks next to those who weren't 'racing' at the time on their demise): Craig Breen Jules Bianchi Antoine Hubert Henry Surtees Maria de Villota* Nicky Hayden* Jason Dupasquier Marco Simoncelli Justin Wilson William Dunlop Luis Salom Dan Wheldon Robert Dunlop Dajiro Kato Michael Park Richard Burns* Colin McRae* Joey Dunlop Andrea de Cesaris* Michele Alboreto Possum Bourne Dale Earnhart Sr Ayrton Senna Roland Ratzenberger And a final mention to all those who names I cannot recall as easily; who did it for the love of racing and/or never stepped into the global consciousness or 'professional ranks'... I salute you all

[@JoshuaC923]

Rally drivers are truly a different breed,rip Craig🌹

[@AntoniusTyas]

In a (twisted?) irony, Craig's death was what brought me back to WRC. Okay I don't have an access to WRC stream here in Indonesia, but after his death I began to rediscover my long lost joy from rallying, one that went away after Seb's dominance and the loss of both Colin and Richard. Seeing Craig's joy in Sweden 2023, I can't help not to see it as someone who just loved rally as much (if not more) than we are. Thanks for letting me rediscover my love for rally, Craig. Rest well up there.

[@aaronmachado13]

Not only that but literally the day before his passing, a sprint car driver by the name of Justin Owens passed away. I enjoy Sprint cars casually so I wasn’t as familiar with him as I am with the big names but losing him and Craig within same week definitely is one of those things that make you cherish everything we do regarding motorsport from local level to the top classes. It’s something that pushes you away like how you’ve mentioned you reacted to burns or Indy fans spoke about with Dan wheldon. But it can also bring the community together. Here in Maryland we hold a race every year called the Kevin Crine memorial race meant to honor the life of one of the members of our local motocross community.

[@MichaelBoyns]

Spot on yet again - very sad that you had to though. I'll remember him in a 6R4 over Moll's Gap - awesome.

[@Rentta]

I think the video WRC did in his memory was very spot on. You can see glimpse of his character and understand it even if you are not a massive rally fan.

[@EllaGP22]

I was absolutely devastated. I’ve seen drivers die in crashes before and those incidents were no less sad but it is more impactful when you’ve rooted for that driver for years and years. i live not far from where Craig grew up, and I still remember watching Craig win the Cork 20 Rally here in Ireland 4 years ago. I met him once or twice, nicest guy you could ever hope to meet and really funny too. As every other tribute has mentioned, I’ve never met another person with such an unadulterated love for rallying and motorsports. I was so excited for what seemed like a brilliant comeback year with Hyundai after his P2 in Sweden. Unfortunately that’s the cruel nature of the sport we love so much. RIP Craig. 🇮🇪💔

[@mrgalaxy396]

I barely knew anything about the guy, because I too follow WRC only loosely, but when I heard the news my mind immediately went to his interviews in the previous rally in Sweden. He was so happy to be back behind the wheel and just happy to be able to drive those beasts, especially since he was among the fastest in Sweden. And now he's just, gone. Going back to see those interviews feels surreal. Always a somber reminder how fragile life is and how suddenly any one of us can be gone, no matter what we were up to previously. We hear about so much death in the media these days that we've gone numb to it, until it's about someone we actually had some mental connection to, no matter how small. Deaths in motorsports always seem like a thing of the past, but they will never go away. I am even more thankful for the times the drivers I watched could walk away from a nasty crash, but it also makes the times when they aren't so lucky that more tragic. Can't imagine how difficult it must be for everyone involved, from the paddock to those at home that will never see his big smile in person again. These people are truly built different and I have massive respect for anyone insane enough to be doing motorsports. To end on a positive note, thankfully the codriver is unharmed from the crash, at least physically. Mentally, he has a long road to go to process and live with what happened. I wish him the best and hopefully he'll have the kind of support Craig had when he lost his codriver in 2012.

[@jackn36]

From watching WRC Craig was always the plucky underdog in the world of big budgets he spent the last few years getting drives in a couple rounds where he could and doing a mega job when he was out there even without a permanent seat or testing. Seemingly without the budget of other drivers he managed to finally get a seat at a top team through his driving doing the talking this year! I always enjoyed routing of him as he was always positive throughout everything. Rest in Piece Legend

[@annettecurtain7123]

That interview in his car after his first podium with citroen told me everything i needed to know about him as a person. Such a humble guy and in love with what he was doing. Saddest part of it all was he was on the verge of reaching his prime, had a championship in him I think. Terrible loss for motor sport, race in peace Craig.

[@LNERandBR]

Craig is one of those drivers who has been knocked back by the lack of manufacturer support Rallying gets these days. There are only 3 teams, Toyota, Hyundai and M Sport. Only two of them are full works outfits, M Sport only getting partial backing from Ford given they ran Ford's full factory team back in the day. There are only so many top flight seats to go around and Craig was one of the unfortunate ones who has been fighting to get one running only partial seasons sharing with other drivers. His first full season in the WRC was last year for M Sport, sadly it didn't go as hoped and they parted ways at the end of the year. So much promise, so much hope and sadly things just didn't click properly. He fought back in Sweden this year, an epic return to form in a Hyundai but he was back to a part season again. I was hoping so much that he'd be back to a full season next year. Sadly, now we'll never see him achieve the championship he deserved.

[@Lukkaa35]

I live relatively close to where this happened, that's why it shocked me even more. I always liked Craig because his personality. I was supposed to be there on that test as a spectator but cancelled my plans because of bad weather, hearing the news hit me like a hammer. RIP Craig

[@xAntoIRL]

As an Irish rally fan although rally may be a fringe motorsport Craig always kept me hanging on the edge of my seat and hopeful he can reach the peak of the sport . Rip Craig Breen we will never forget you

[@anagarcia3685]

I was a kid when I started to watch WRC. Markko Martin and Michael Park were my favourites. When Beef passed, he was the first major death of my life. I remember exactly how I found out of it, my reaction, etc. As I've grown, we have lost multiple racing drivers and I've learn to deal the loss of racing heroes better. But Craig's loss hurt me differently. I agree, I had to double check that it's real. And every time I open my socials, a new tweet about him pops up and it hurts again. I think it's because he was so happy, bright, friendly. I met him in 2018 and that little interaction was amazing. To me, this guy lived the classic early 00s type of WRC that I feel in love with. Of course, all of them race to win, but Craig raced because he loved the cars. He loved rallying. He was passionate about what we were all passionate, the sound of engines, the smell of fuel and tyres. He was a fan, like any of us, but he got to live the dream. I will keep close to my heart his Twitter and Instagram bios. Living the dream he did.

[@EddieVanAidan]

He was at a wedding I played at, him and his friends asked to have a go on my guitar, but I said no because they were far too merry! They had a whale of a time. Seeing the news absolutely gutted me, one of my favourite drivers across all disciplines. I hope the fia brings in some new safety standards re. windscreens or full face helmets maybe

[@marksanyal]

When I started following WRC, Breen was a very charismatic driver who you just liked as soon as you saw him. You'd see Neuville and Tanak complain about the conditions and then Breen would finish a stage, say his run was shit and drive off. Just felt organic. When I read the news about his death, it was unbelievable like you said. Mostly because he has had worse crashes and he has walked out of those without a scratch.

[@bjarulez]

I just found out from you posting this video, I have been watching more WRC over the last couple of years, it proves how dangerous motorsport is

[@samuelecavana]

He was a fighter, who was knocked down in so many instances in his career and still got up again every single time. He saw his best friend and codriver, Gareth Roberts, die in the seat next to his in 2012 when their Peugeot was cut open by an armcoat (kinda like Kubica's rally crash, with infinitely worse consequences). He found the strenght to carry on and on the same year he became world champion for WRC main support class at the time (SWRC, reserved for Super 2000 cars). He was dropped by Citroen in 2018 to make way for Seb Ogier and then rising star Esapekka Lappi. The following year, he dominated the prestigious Irish Tarmac Championship and was called back in WRC by Hyundai, immediately being the fastest Hyundai driver in the early stages of the Thousand Lakes rally. He collected 4 podiums with the team in 2020-21, three of which in a row, despite only running a part-time schedule. Thus, he joined M-Sport Ford for a full campaign in 2022 - a lifelong dream which quickly turned in a nightmare, just 2 podiums overshadowed by several mistakes and misfortunes over the course of a dreadful year, leading many to question his abilities. He put on hold his dream of being a full-time factory driver in order to re-find his form and confidence, going back to Hyundai on a part-time basis for 2023. He answered his critics by ending his first day back in the lead, after an incredible performance in which he won a 12 Km stage by nearly 8 seconds. He held off 2019 World champion Tanak throughout the second leg, before an hybrid issue and a delaminating tyre dropped him to second. Only upon seeing that dreaded black and white picture on Instagram, I fully realised how much of an example his attitude and life story were to me.

[@johnnytyrrell7060]

It's so sad he will be missed he was loved here in Ireland he is gone far to young R,I,P.

[@panvar8469]

I made a thought last night and I got like WOW... Take a picture of Craig with this massive smile and those blue eyes and put it next to a picture of Henri Toivonen... And then remember Henri s end... Shocking isnt it?

[@tobiasz6613]

RIP Craig. I can't help but think of how a friend cautioned me when I first got a motorbike "if there's no risk, there's no thrill, but that risk is real, and never forget that". With deaths in motorsport more rare now than they've ever been, we can take too lightly just how dangerous a thing it is to be doing. I was shocked to hear the news because despite approaching middle age I still have a childlike belief in racing drivers' superpowers, a willfull blind eye to what can happen and faith in the (very real) measures taken to improve safety. Craig Breen's passing is a loss to the sport, and clearly he was a dearly loved man who will be mourned by those who loved him and who he loved. I hope the affection and regard he's held in by his peers, colleagues and fans in some small way helps his loved ones to grieve for him.

[@KareemFloat]

no matter what i do when it applies to racing, i do a little prayer. despite not being religious. carting, dirt bikes, track day, or even in sim racing despite how silly that is when it comes to physical harm. even in sim i do it, just to not to take things for granted and to keep the mentality that i need during a real race. to some it may be a fun game, to me it's a training tool to help me stay safe and aware as folks are WAY more carefree in sim racing. it sucks to lose someone in any sport or situation in life, but when it comes to racing it's something everyone accepts when that contract is signed. Craig party on with K.block, may your engine exhaust fuel our thunderstorms and tire smoke shade our skies with clouds.

[@minibus9]

excelent tribute. Craig Breen was an awesome, passionite driver who was my favourite in the WRC since Jari-Matti Latvala retired, he was excelnt i cars from MK 2 Escorts to the current WRC cars and everything in between

[@brilliantradience]

I'm gonna miss his interviews

[@JakePetrolhead]

Craig was the enthusiast who had the talent to go Pro - I returned to following rallying a few years ago and immediately had respect for Craig who despite his top line drives would still compete in historic events for the love of the sport - was buzzing when he was chosen to lead M-Sport last year, despite how it ended, and it was so happy to see him on the Podium in Sweden just a few weeks ago - whilst I wouldn't consider myself a fan, it was impossible to not root for the guy because of how he articulated himself. Rallying is a much, much, poorer place without Craig.

[@AshHobson]

There is a term in rallying called "Bobble Hatters", passionate fans out on the side of the stage in the torrential rain for hours on end hoping to catch a glimmer of their favourite car or driver, guys and gals who live, breathe, Rally. Unlike many who watch from home, or follow the latest autosport article, bobble hatters are those people who make the sport what it is, ready to recover drivers who have got stuck in the ditch, collecting spoilers and returning them to the team as they know how expensive it is. Craig Breen is the definition of a Bobble hatter, if he wasnt on stage in WRC, he would be rallying his historics cars, he would be teaching the junior categories, he was pure, honest, infectious, fiercely rapid, a team player and the biggest personality the WRC had, if DTS were to come to Rallying, he would be the Danny Ric, the talisman, the draw, the "Bobble Hatter".

[@PuncakeLena]

I also do not follow rally as much, I didn't even know there was gonna be a WRC event in Croatia soon. But, I also knew the name. Now that I've seen some clips, I can absolutely see why. As you mentioned, he was an incredibly enthusiastic bloke, and it's a shame to see that he's passed, as it is with any racing driver of any category really

[@jevans84]

Such a respectful video. Thank you.

[@Mysterion157]

I started following rally just last year, I'm devastated

[@TheFarCobra]

“This isn’t a million to one shot, it is a professional blood sport. It can happen to you … and it can happen to you again.”

[@AmanAli-dc1sy]

Black day for Motorsport and WRC. Was in absolute shock when I read about his tragic passing.

[@patrickracer43]

We might have gotten rid of death in the major forms of motorsports (F1, Indycar, NASCAR Cup) but something like this still reminds us that our chosen form of entertainment is dangerous. RIP Craig, I hope you're absolutely sending that Hyundai up on the great rally stage in the sky

[@Kam1Kaz3NL77]

Normally there's the funny jingle starting your intro. Respect and ofc logical it wasn't heard THIS time around... RIP Craig

[@markko17]

As Mario said after Ronnie Peterson's death, "This, too, is racing."

[@didgereemedia194]

I tend to get teary eyed when I recall when Peter Brock was killed. In fact, I cried reflecting of Hubert's crash. Motorsport fatalities are not easy to deal with, even after years

[@robin_marriott]

All I can do is echo your point, Breen was a driver I’d been aware of for a long time but not really followed. A name which was prominent enough to be familiar despite Rally being off my radar for at least a decade. It’s a name which has flooded my Twitter feed with posts from car people from all over the world and from all sorts of backgrounds. I can only imagine how big a loss it is to the rally community. Like you say, it’s borderline unbelievable these days, especially considering there have been some humongous accidents in rally where people have walked away. Here’s hoping that it’s the last name we have to pay our respects to this year. RIP.

[@L4NOO_]

I never got the chance to meet Craig. But I've been a rally fan for years and he's grown to become my favourite. His smile, end of stage interview, humour, passion. I think this was the hardest loss from motorsport for me personally. I still can't believe that this is actually real.

[@kazabubu10]

At least he was blessed to die doing what he loved....I hope this comforts his loved ones somewhat...RIP...

[@scsutton1]

I don't wish for this to sound callous and like I don't care, but I haven't really been following the WRC for a very long time, probably since you couldn't win the title unless your name was Sebastien. Even so, losing anyone within Motorsport is always a tough moment and the loss of Craig Breen at 33 is as sad as anyone who loses their life within any form of the sport. My condolences to his friends and family.

[@gordonwallin2368]

Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada.

[@periklaskyriakidis6064]

Craig was a good driver, it was unfortunate that he never won a rally, because he deserved to win a few imo. A very sad loss, truly devastating. I still can't believe he's not here. RIP Craig 😭😭😭🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@HammerHeart3229]

Craig's death genuinely made me sad when I read the news. I started watching WRC in 2021 (Never really knew much about the sport besides playing the Colin McRae games back in the day and also knowing that Colin McRae, Sebastian Ogier and Sebastian Loeb were rallying legends) and Craig was one of the drivers I immediately took a shining to. I was rooting for him to do well this season after the disappointing year he had with M-Sport last year and then this happens... ☹️ While Motorsport is and always will be inherently dangerous, for me Rally Drivers, Motorcycle racers and maybe also IndyCar drivers (Because of the open wheel oval racing factor) are arguably the bravest of the lot. I say that with no disrespect to other motor racing disciplines and categories but I just feel with those three aforementioned disciplines, that extra element of danger makes me respect them more. Either way, rest in peace Craig Breen. For me at least it's been brief, but you were an absolute joy to watch! ☘️

[@alexmaccain2362]

Not just Craig breen there is another driver that named Justin Owens died in usac qualifying last week.

[@nascar_vault]

Two motorsport deaths in less than a week. An American dirt midget car racer by the name of Justin Owen was killed in a crash last Saturday too.

[@jacekatalakis8316]

Rally drivers are absolutely amazing, the closest I can think of is the TT riders for a circuit comparison. I'm thrust right back to Markko Märtin, and Beef Park's crash at Rally GB in 2005 and the absolute shock that sent through the sport. It made it on the front page of the BBC News site in among the football and Biden's visit, it was a major, major story. Craig Breen was quick, funny, and gave off a warm, genuine personality. In a ay strange way he reminded me of Finns with his genuine personlaity and saying what he thought, while having the speed and talent to back it up. Rallying is dangerous, but watching the onboards, be it McRae, any of them, Craig, Burns, the best rally drivers make a four door saloon with 300 horses do things it has no fucking right to at all. No way that 555 Impreza, or Breen's cars should ever have been driven as quick as that, and with as much sound or fury on the edge and being reeled back in 9/10 times. It makes me wonder what he could have got done in a top flight car for a full season, to me he'd have been consistent but I'm not sure if he was the ultra dominant driver people think. Rallying is, sadly, a niche sport. I miss the days of 10 or 15 car makers showing up at, say, the Isle of Man, or Kielder, or going flat out across the desert in Kenya, I do hope rallying gets back to that point. I've heard it said, and can any Irish in the comments add to this, that he was as big in Ireland as McRae was in the UK, in that he captured the public imagination and put rallying on the map in Ireland, and made people fall in love with the sport. That's what I've heard from fans and people who are in the know for rallying.

[@ianwynne764]

Hello Aidan: I am incredibly sorry to hear about Craig. I live in awe of rally drivers. What they do both horrifies and fascinates me. Keep up on producing good videos.

[@eamonahern7495]

Like you Aidan, I didn't follow rallying much but I knew who Craig Breen was. My local league of Ireland team, Kerry FC, were playing Waterford United this weekend in Waterford and they had a minute's applause in the stadium before the match for Craig. I lost interest in the WRC when Loeb was winning everything and then I didn't have TV channels that covered it. But I do have a vague memory of Craig from when I lived in Waterford about 11 years ago. There was some sort of event on and he had his rally car at the time on show. So I was well aware of who Craig was even if I didn't follow his career. So it was a sad surprise to see it on the screen when I switched on the RTE News channel yesterday. Unfortunately he's not the first. A few years ago a driver competing in a rally here in Ireland in a Hyundai rally car was killed. Horrible coincidence.

[@don_chan3638]

as an Irishman this hits like an absolute truck, its the greatest sporting nation in the world but we have never produced motorsport stars and unlike other gifted drivers Breen did it over years through hard work and all with a smile on his face. motorsports is full of boring people and it just became that bit more boring.

[@VonBlade]

Having been watching all possible motorsport since the late 70s, I used to process it by going "damn, but motorsport is dangerous, so it was only a matter of time", whereas now my first thought is always "damn, that must have been a super unlucky situation". Which I think is a positive trend for the sport.

[@PuncakeLena]

It absolutely was. I can't confirm anything but if what I heard about how he crashed is true, I can only say that he's been very unlucky indeed

[@scrubsrc4084]

Despite being fully aware of the risks jt was an eye opener when I got my race license and it says bold as day on the back there's a risk of death.

[@mgers75]

Everytime we begin thinking Racing is mostly safe, reality kicks us in the face

[@maxattack5338]

What did you miss with Craig as a driver? Long question. He reminded me of a bygone class of driver, a sort of Kankunnen-Vatanen blend of pure enthusiasm and enjoyment and a way with words that was charming to many. I feel what sticks out about Breen is his connection to the grassroots. He seemed to drive any rally he could feasibly make it to whether that meant in the top class of the WRC or a classic on the great Irish stages. We don't really see that in drivers these days outside of a few carefully selected exhibitions. What I don't think is really fair - I don't mean to hang this over the man's memory - is to say he was the only characterful driver in the WRC. WRC is criminally overlooked by broadcasters and motorsports fans alike and the current crop of drivers have plenty of personality - Ogier the transcendent champion, Neuville the ever dogged challenger, wide eyed Ött Tanak always pushing, Kalle Rovanpera the wonderkid, and the ever-entertaining and smiley Katsuta. Yes, Craig's charm always stood out on the post stage comments, but the WRC is full of great drivers and people at every level of its competition. The main thing tho is how incredibly hard to stomach this news is for us rally fans, so many of us had great hopes for Craig, as the fairytale marriage with M-Sport didn't pan out, but we knew Breen couldn't be kept down and would fight tooth and nail with every opportunity to prove to Hyundai that he belonged in rally1. It was never a question to us of course, he'd shown us fans time and again. Kalle Rovanpera and Toyota are champions, by the way - an incredibly exciting driver and a brilliant team that sets a great benchmark for the competition. Please don't wait for more manufacturers or whatever else to get back into rallying... They won't come until the viewership goes up... The broadcasters make it hard to watch rally, but it's worth it. There is nothing in Motorsport that can compare to the raw challenge of man and machine versus the whims of nature. Don't get me wrong, tho, I liked the video, and your humility in not claiming to be Breen's biggest fan and a WRC expert for five minutes' clout are very refreshing on KZbin.

[@nowind37]

Rest in Peace Craig You will be remembered

[@hugovilag]

Didn't believe the news until I saw Hyundai's official statement, left me cold, staring at it. 🕊️

[@YBFocus]

Aidan I didn't expect to start watching your videos like this, you done a stellar job here. Craig lived for Rallying, he wasn't just in it because he had world class speed. He was hugely involved here, even this year devoting days to the junior1000 class to train them and guide them. It was recently announced he was putting forward €10,000 of his own money in prizes alongside days of training with them all. Watch his stage end conversations, his end of day interviews, or what anyone said or thought about him, he was a total gentleman alongside being world class in his sport. I didn't know him personally at all really, outside of doing a few sim racing events with him and following him avidly I had no more connection to him than you. But I am struggling with the loss, no issue saying I cried when I heard the news, as did a work colleague that came to my office to tell me and let me down easier I guess. He oozed enthusiasm and happiness that was like a drug to those around him, even those just watching on. I'm rambling now, but I feel a tremendous loss and I know many others are in the same horrible boat. Thanks for the video dude ❤

[@PadraicMc54]

Ireland's best ever driver? I reckon so. Heartbroken by the loss of Craig. The grand national gets all the media attention today but Motorsport and Ireland lost one of its star's this week and it's being swept under the carpet. Craig Breen should go down as an Irish sporting legend.

[@Ramtamtama]

To slightly alter what Murray Walker said about Gilles Villeneuve in 1997, "a shining light of World Rally has been extinguished"

[@andrewbowen4544]

Craig was close to win Rally Sweden. His smile after winning stages was forever hold in my memory.

[@dyslexiksteve2488]

I will watch this but at the moment I am too upset. He was the best underdog you could ever support.

[@1320crusier]

Its very weird being a fan of motorsports. We never expect someone to be killed but all of us know deep down that there is a very real chance of it happening. It never does get easier and sometimes I have questioned why I follow it at all.

[@johnpatricklim4509]

have the same reaction when i read the news....a great loss.....

[@Coldwallbar]

he was a beast man. rip

[@liquidkameleon]

whats mind boggling to me about all this is that i honestly couldnt believe this can happen today. Ott Tanak had a monster crash in monte carlo 3 years ago hat sent him flying off a cliff and he walked out unscathed. Yet one of the most likeable personalities in rally dies after a collision with a flimsy wooden fence.

[@PuncakeLena]

Oh yeah, that car was chucked at a tree too before rolling down the cliff. Truly an amazing feat of engineering and craftsmanship that he could just walk to the service area after. Unfortunately, it's most often the pathetic looking or sounding crashes that tend to take drivers. If you'd shown me the clip of Dale's crash in 2001 without context, I wouldn't even be worried in the slightest for example

[@leftturnsmatter7555]

Justin owen also just past away running sprint cars at lawrenceberg indiana. Right before Craig's passing , racing will always be dangerous

[@ejqr68]

Class.

[@frictionstreaker]

Thanks

[@cmacdhon]

I'm a massive fan of all motorsports (well, maybe not nascar) and never miss a rally on WRC Live. I am so thankful co-driver James Fulton survived, but I will miss Craig tremendously. Rally drivers are interviewed immediately after completing a stage (while they are still in the car) and Craig was always an interview I looked forward to. He was always honest, cordial, and had a sly sense of humour. He came across as someone I wish I had known personally, and for me, that's saying something! This was man who once drove a rally car through a McDonald's drive through! I can't even imagine what those who were close to him must be going through right now. This is just devastating. This video says it all kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJC7imqrl5qEaas

[@AndrewGeierMelons]

2023 hasn't been nice to rally so far. Is this the 1994 of rally? Ken, Craig, please no one else.

[@johnedwards230]

I don't think anyone would expect a driver to get killed in a test. Desperately sad. 😢

[@trautsj]

I've been watching motorsport of all kinds for over 30 years now. I've seen a fair amount of death, some actually live on the telly. It's wild, but it is an unfortunately unavoidable side effect of the sport as a whole.

[@allanfoster6965]

I believe Arthur Miller said there are only 3 'sports'. Boxing, Bull fighting and car racing. What a very sad occasion this is. 😢

[@TheTotallyRealXiJinping]

We lost Justin Owens last weekend. We are losing a lot of talent this year

[@carsonbiggerstaff5860]

The announcement came not even a week after USAC driver Justin Owen was killed in qualifying for an event at Lawrenceburg Indiana. Many online were totally shocked and it has raised the question of safety again. Racing will never be safe and every driver that gets behind the wheel and drives it in anger have always had and will always have massive testicular fortitude.