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Kenyan drivers Carl Tundo, Andrew Muiruri, Ishmael Azeli, and Jennifer Malik will worry less about their Safari Rally preparations after a financial boost from a local betting firm.
Kenyan drivers Carl Tundo, Andrew Muiruri, Ishmael Azeli, and Jennifer Malik have received a Ksh20 million sponsorship boost for the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally set to rev off in Naivasha from Thursday, March 28 to Sunday, March 31.
This is after betting firm Betika boosted their preparations through the Betika Na Community with a huge amount, up from Ksh14 million given out in 2023.
Tundo, who will pilot the state-of-the-art Rally2 marque and has previous experience in WRC’s second-tier category (WRC2), will be fighting for a share of both KNRC and WRC2 points.
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11:34 - 19.03.2024
MOTORSPORTS Kenyan champion Jasmeet Chana, Carl Tundo headline star-studded local cast at Safari Rally
Reigning Kenya champion Jasmeet Chana will resume his KNRC title defence at the prestigious Safari Rally with five-time winner Carl Tundo among top Kenyan drivers on the roster.
“It is a resounding vote of confidence in our abilities and a testament to the relentless dedication we have poured into our craft. I am delighted to carry the Kenyan flag and to etch our nation's name in the annals of international rally history,” said Tundo.
“Rallying is not cheap, and I know so many good drivers who are locked out of the competition because they cannot afford it. When companies like Betika come to support us, we get motivated to do better, to keep the fight and the love of the sport. We have had months of training, and we will strive to finish the race.”
Malik, who will be navigated by Margaret Mungai, is among four all-women crews that also includes Tinashe Gatimu/Caroline Gatimu, Pauline Shegu /Linet Ayuko, and debutants Lisa Christofferson/Mitchelle Chao who will all be driving Subaru cars.
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20:00 - 15.03.2024
MOTORSPORTS Blow for Safari Rally fans as Thierry Neuville contemplates ending illustrious WRC career
Hyundai Motorsports team driver Thierry Neuville hints at retiring from WRC after 2024.
"Participating in this year’s Safari Rally is a dream come true for me. This is my second time competing at the WRC and I hope to inspire other young girls in Kenya to pursue their passion for motorsport,” said Malik, popularly known as Kui Qui.
“As an all-female rally team, we have encountered a lot of challenges during the preparations for this event but Betika’s support has lessened the burden. This allows us to compete at our highest levels and we are confident that we are ready to compete with the rest of the world.”
Excitement is building ahead of the Safari Rally which will be returning to the Easter weekend and has attracted over 50 foreign and local competitors with Hyundai Shell Mobis, Toyota Gazoo Racing, and Ford M-Sport among those set to be represented.
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17:17 - 12.03.2024
MOTORSPORTS Safari Rally legend passes on 15 years after surviving career-ending crash
Renowned rally co-driver has passed away at 56, over a decade after surviving a tragic accident that claimed his famed partner's life.
Two-time world champion Kalle Rovanpera of Toyota, who finished second at last year’s Safari Rally, looks to be the man to beat with defending champion Sebastien Ogier opting out of the Kenyan leg this time round.
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