Sean will still drive a Renault Clio Rally3 at next week’s Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, but it won’t be Donnelly.
With the expected arrival of his third child, the Sno*Drift powerstage winner is sitting out the second round of the 2026 American Rally Association National Championship.
But why let his Clio sit in the garage when it can attack the stages of Missouri instead?
Sean Johnston picked up the call, and will deputize for Donnelly for what’ll be his first ever 100 Acre Wood and second rally in a Rally3.
“I’m very, very excited and grateful to announce that I’m going to be kicking off the 2026 season with Argonaut Motor Club at the 100 Acre Wood Rally,” Johnston told DirtFish.
“My coaching business here in the US has really taken off in the latter half of last year and beginning of this year, and I started coaching Sean Donnelly primarily, but some of the other Argonaut drivers as well, in the lead up to Sno*Drift.
Johnston has competed in the ARA three times, and won his class every time
“And we had such a great time working together that when Sean recognized that he wasn’t going to be able to do 100 Acre Wood, he went to bat for me and was able to raise some money to cover all of Argonaut’s costs, and they’re actually giving me the car free of charge for the event.
“I feel totally humbled and honored by their support. They’re really working to grow their brand and presence in the ARA and they see this as the first step in a partnership with me. The goal for everybody involved is to have me in a Rally2 car run by Argonaut for the second half of the year. That’s something we would all love to see.
“So they are stepping up to the plate and placing their trust and belief in me. I’m super grateful and excited and really, really curious to see what kind of result we can create together with the Rally3 car at 100 Acre Wood.”
Johnston, a former WRC2 driver, has only started three ARA events in his career and won his class every time: twice in Open 2WD with a Peugeot 208 Rally4, and once in Limited 4WD with a Ford Fiesta Rally3.
While he believes driving a rally car is “like riding a bike” and he will benefit from a full day test next week, Johnston is aware of how competitive the entry is.
“It really does feel like there’s maybe a new page being turned in the championship with more and more people committing to show up with FIA-homologated cars,” he said.
“And to see the Stellantis Rally Cup North America as well, I feel like there’s a new foundation being laid of creating a platform for a new experience of rallying in the US and I think it’s great. I’m very, very excited for it.”
He’ll be competing without his usual wingman, however. Alex Kihurani has sat beside Johnston for 46 of his 47 rally starts, but the short-notice nature of this opportunity meant Kihurani wasn’t able to make it.
Instead Johnston has recruited Cameron Fair, who regularly co-drives for Max McRae.
“Alex has been in the car with me since rally number two,” said Johnston. “Unfortunately, just with the super last minute nature of this deal and some commitments he’s already made, Alex is unable to make it.
“So for the first time I’ve had to go try and see who else might be able to sit next to me, and was able to pick up the phone and talk to Cameron Fair who’s a good friend. He was our gravel crew co-driver for a number of times in WRC2. He really knows the pacenote system, and also he’s just a world-class co-driver. We’re excited to get out and work together.”
Sean Donnelly sees Sean Johnston as "the best America has to offer in this sport"
While disappointed not to be competing himself – especially as he currently lies second in the championship – Donnelly had no doubt at all about putting Johnston in his car.
“This is about creating opportunity for someone who deserves a platform,” Donnelly told DirtFish.
“Sean, in my mind, is the best America has to offer in this sport. He’s also the whole package – having built a fanbase partly because of his driving skill and partly because of who he is as a person and how he carries himself. Anyone who’s talked with him knows what I mean.
“And for Argonaut, this is a ‘rising tide lifts all boats’ situation. Having Sean on the team lifts everyone’s expectations for themselves.”
