Following on from yesterday’s choice of Calle Carlberg as Rookie of the Year, FIAERC.com called on its panel of media experts to pick out their Unsung Hero of 2024 with Ciprian Lupu edging the accolade after much debate.
Romanian Lupu, a wheelchair user who is tetraplegic, contested three ERC events in 2024 and scored ERC4 points on each occasion in a Renault Clio Rally5. He was on a list of nominees that included Yoann Bonato, Mathieu Franceschi, John Kennard and Igor Widłak.
Niccolò Budoia, a reporter for Rallyeslalom.com, admitted it had been a difficult decision. “This is a tough one for sure because there were many heroes in the ERC this year. Mathieu Franceschi spiced up the championship and gave us a lot of fun. As an Italian reporter, I can’t forget how Andrea Mabellini was the first Italian driver who won an ERC round abroad in 13 years. And what about John Kennard? A true legend, a reference point in the service park and still a record- breaking co-driver. They all were great.”
Becs Williams, Rally.tv’s lead ERC commentator, proposed co-driver Craig Drew as an alternative nominee. She said: “There can only be one and that is co-driver Craig Drew. Sat alongside the exuberant Philip Allen is – I am guessing, like a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster, exhilarating and slightly scary in equal measure. Drew took over the reins from Dale Furniss mid-season and tried to tame the fast yet tempestuous Allen. Off the road three times on Rally Silesia, the highlight came on Rali Ceredigion’s SS5, Nant y Moch’, where they were second fastest overall. If there was an award for Character of the Year’ Allen would get it, hands down. But the Unsung Hero is surely the brave Craig Drew.”
Peter MacKay, part of Rally.tv’s live stage-end reporting team, voted for the ERC’s community manager Afonso Silva. The Scot (below) explained his decision: “Social media content is essential to the engagement and image of any sporting series. Followers of the ERC’s social media channels can enjoy innovative, engaging, and often humorous content gathered across the wide-ranging landscape of a rally weekend. From the service park to the forests, and everywhere in between, Afonso Silva is there capturing fantastic images and footage for fans on social media. Afonso’s commitment, creative eye and work rate are a joy to watch. He is a vital member of our ERC family.”
Graham Lister, who reports on the ERC for UK weekly title Motorsport News, said: “Yoann Bonato defied medical experts by returning from a broken back to not only compete but score points on Rally Silesia. Igor Widłak showed great mental strength to hit back from his crash on Rally di Roma Capitale. But Ciprian Lupu was super-human yet again, overcoming his physical challenges to score ERC4 points three times in three attempts. Such an inspiration.”
What’s next? Visit FIAERC.com on 18 December for the Newcomer of the Year, which highlights some of the things that were new in the 2024 ERC.
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