William Creighton claimed the Junior WRC title this past weekend at EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, despite issues throughout the event.
The Newest Junior WRC Champion
William Creighton came into EKO Acropolis Rally Greece with the best odds to win the Junior WRC Championship. However, Creighton’s odds at winning the Junior WRC Championship looked meek after a mechanical issue forced him to retire from the second day of the event. Nevertheless, Creighton returned on day three with one simple goal, salvage as many points as possible. He would do just that, gaining enough stage wins to secure the championship win.
An Emotional Victory
William Creighton’s Junior WRC win is a surreal one. As Creighton becomes just the second Irishman to win the championship. Who was the other Irishman to win it? Craig Breen. 12 years ago the late Craig Breen won the Junior WRC championship. Breen went on to become a star in the WRC, driving with Citroen, M-Sport and Hyundai. Unfortunately, Breen passed away earlier this season in an accident during the pre-event testing at Croatia Rally. Making Creighton’s win this weekend just that much more emotional for everyone. Hopefully, Creighton becomes a star in Rally’s top level, much like Breen.
What’s Next For Creighton?
William Creighton will have a choice to make next season. Does he decide to defend his championship, or does he decide to move up to the WRC2 class. Creighton has already driven a WRC2 car this past season. Driving a Hyundai i20 for the Ireland Motorsport Academy at the legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo. Creighton finished 18th in class at the event, among a stacked entry list. 2022 Junior WRC Champion Robert Virves moved into the WRC2 class this past season. Finding mild success so far but is improving steadily. If Creighton wants a chance at the sports top level he should move into a WRC2 car if given the chance. Creighton will have a couple months to decide on his next move however.