Thousands participated in the fan poll, open throughout December, with twenty-six-year-old Creighton emerging as the winner. Thirty-six per cent of the votes were in his favour and he edged Diego Domínguez, who received 32 per cent, while Hamza Anwar came third with 18 per cent.
After finishing fifth in his second FIA Junior WRC season in 2022, Creighton reached new heights last year by becoming the first Irishman to win the series since his compatriot and role model, the late Craig Breen.
Creighton and co-driver Liam Regan won two out of five rounds in their Ford Fiesta Rally3 and even resorted to pushing their car several kilometres into a tyre-fitting zone after suffering radiator damage at the season finale in Greece.
“I am happy with how we improved our pace going into 2023,” Creighton, who is planning a step up to WRC2 in 2024, told WRC.com. “The level of competition is so high in the Junior WRC and this is what has pushed me forward. There were times at the start of 2023 season when Liam and I had to give it maximum attack to win stages and rallies. We showed ourselves what was possible, and I think this set us of on the right foot to have strong pace for the season.
“I’ve worked with the team at the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy throughout the year. The aim is always to look at how we can improve in all areas, and we will continue to do this going in to 2024. It’s really nice to be recognised with this award so I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted for me,” he added.
