Local ace McRae Kimathi shines at WRC Safari Rally
By Lucky Oluoch, June 27, 2023McRae Kimathi, one of the young promising rally drivers from Kenya, showcased his skills at the 2023 WRC Safari Rally, which ended on Sunday in Naivasha.
Kimathi, co-driven by Kioni Mwangi, delivered a remarkable performance, securing a third place in the highly competitive WRC3 category and an overall 20th position. This marked an improvement from his last year’s performance, when he finished 23rd.
Domínguez Diego Jr was the winner in the WRC3 category, while Bailey Jason was second after clocking 4:37:57.1 and 5:33:05.9, respectively.
“This rally was one of the toughest I have experienced,” Kimathi said after finishing the race. “We promised to deliver, and indeed we have given our best. This achievement motivates me to continue pushing my limits and strive for excellence as I now shift my focus to KNRC.”
Among the other Kenyan youngsters taking part in the FIA Rally Star programme were Jeremiah Wahome and Hamza Anwar. However, both had to retire due to mechanical problems.
This year’s overall winner was French driver Sébastien Ogier, who reclaimed the title in the senior category (WRC1) after engaging in a thrilling battle with defending champion Kalle Rovanperä of Finland.
Ogier, navigated by Vincent Landias, clocked an impressive time of 3:30:42.5, finishing 6.7 seconds ahead of his Finnish teammate. Rovanperä, alongside navigator Jonne Haulttunen, completed the rally with a time of 3:30:49.2.
Elfyn Evans completed the podium with a time of 3:33:41.Another Toyota, a GR Yaris, driven by Elfyn Evans and Katsuta Takamoto, secured the fourth positions overall, clocking in 3:34:06.3.
In the WRC2 category, Carl “Flash” Tundo, navigated by Jessop Tim, finished in 4th position in that category and secured the 12th overall position with a time of 4:11:38.6.