Hello rally fans.
Today’s date hits harder than ever. Wring this post was such an emotional roller coaster for me and I truly hope you’ll be able to feel my raw emotions through it.
If you’re not familiar with what happened; The accident occurred on this day 2 years ago during a test before Croatia rally just outside the small town of Lobor. It was raining heavily that April in 2023 and Craig had a low-speed accident in which his car slid away towards the outside of the road, towards a fence on the side of the road. A wooden pole of that fence broke the small window on the door hitting Craig in the neck and ending his life on the spot. There was nothing that could have been done.
Ironically, the drivers are brushing trees, jumping and taking corners at over 190km/h and then the slightest accident becomes fatal... . 1 in a million.
It’s almost impossible to believe that it’s been two years since we lost Craig Breen. As much as I hate today’s date, it’s a day we can use to remember him and his love for rallying.
Two whole years, and somehow it still doesn’t feel real.
I still remember my friend texting me and sending me a picture of the crash and he said Craig died. At first I didn’t believe him because I thought it was some kind of a sick joke just days before my birthday, but it turns out it was the truth..
How can someone so full of life, so passionate, kind, and unforgettable, just be… gone?? I cannot accept it, I still expect Craig to attend a rally?? Time has continued ticking and going forward, but my world hasn’t felt quite the same without him in it. There are still moments when it hits like a wave out of nowhere; memories of his races, videos, photos, or just a quiet moment when his name crosses my mind.. it’s takes just a second for the grief to rush back, as fresh as the day the news broke.
It’s crazy how hard Craig’s passing has affected me so much in such deep ways. We weren’t friends, we only met a few times.
Craig wasn’t just a rally driver. He was the heart of the sport, someone who lived and breathed it with every fiber of his being. His passion was infectious, his knowledge deep, and his love for rallying was pure in a way that reminded everyone why we fell in love with the sport in the first place. He was a light. A rare soul who made you feel seen, who wore his heart on his sleeve, who gave his all not just behind the wheel, but in every conversation, every laugh, every memory he helped create. There are still moments where I catch myself smiling at an old clip of him being his genuine, witty self and then the weight returns. The weight of knowing there won’t be new moments like that. It’s all in the past.… and there’s nothing we can do to change it.
The grief never truly fades; it just learns to live alongside the love we’ll always carry for him. In a weird way, that is comforting, because he won’t ever be forgotten.
But beyond the stages, beyond the interviews and the brilliant drives, Craig was something even more rare, a genuinely kind and humble soul. He treated people with warmth and respect, always made time for fans, and never lost sight of what truly mattered.
*This is a beautiful tribute to him made by WRC that was also streamed in the service park with all the teams and fans❤️
I carry a memory of when I met him- he was glowing with warmth and good vibes. He was so open about talking to me, he didn’t have an act some famous people have. It wasn’t just a “job” for him, he truly appreciated his fans.
I’ll never forget how he said he’s glad there’s girls in motorsports who are as passionate as I am. That is just a small section of the wonderful conversation we had. I’ll always carry it with me. I just wish I used some chances of talking to him again a bit better.
- I look awful but that’s besides the point. (I was waking up at 3am for the tests that week)
Craig’s laughter could light up a room, and his spirit could lift even the weariest hearts. And that’s what makes the loss so hard, not just the absence of the driver, but the absence of the person. The world lost a fierce competitor, but someone else also lost a friend, a son, boyfriend, brother, a teammate, someone who made life brighter just by being in it.
There are so many things I wish we could say to him still. So many moments he should have been here for. He deserved more time, more rallies, more wins, more memories, more life. It’s not fair. It never will be. And I’m so angry at the world failing to protect him. I hate it.
But in his absence, I carry him with me. I frequently see number 42 and it reminds me of him and brings me comfort :). I feel like he sees how much I miss him and sends these small things to remind me of him.
In every cheer, in every car that flies through a corner, in every smile shared between fans. Craig lives on in the stories we tell, the love we carry, and the legacy he built not just with results, but with heart.
I miss you, Craig. More than words can express. I’m writing this with tears in my eyes and a broken heart. The rally world isn’t the same without you, and neither are we. But I promise we’ll keep your memory alive. We’ll keep talking about you, honoring you, celebrating you. Because you deserve that. Always :).
Until we meet again, dear Craig, may you find peace in the heavens above, surrounded by the same love and warmth you shared with us here on earth. I'll never forget the day we met and I had the privilege of speaking to you and exchanging our opinions on rallying. Thank you for everything you gave us. Thank you for being exactly who you were. Keep flying, Craig. Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.
In loving memory of Craig here are some of the videos of him I hold close to my heart :).
Forever CB #42. 🇮🇪