Brecon-based Welsh driver Malcolm Rich is relishing every moment of his maiden visit to Africa following his Mini Classic debut in Kenya this weekend.
Rich is using the Mini Classic as a dress rehearsal for the 2023 East African Safari Classic which will feature a mammoth distance of over 5000km run in nine days.
The Welshman revved up his Ford Escort MK2 for the first time in the Great Rift region this week and was immediately wowed by the high altitude hairpin bends and the surroundings.
“It’s been a childhood dream to come to Africa and do rallies. As a young man, I used to read stories about the East African Safari Rally,” said Rich.
“It’s a long event, but the Mini Classic isn’t as long as the main Safari Classic. Our goal is to come back next year and try and attempt Classic.”
He said: “I have been longing to come to Africa to experience first-hand the stories I used to hear about Africa."
He continued: “The difference between rallying in Britain and Kenya is that back home, we have pace-notes, but in classic rallying they use tulips. Also, the weather conditions here can change any moment so that’s something we don’t have back home.”
Rich is being navigated by Kenyan Adrian Cavenagh, a sibling to two- time Kenyan champion Alastair Cavenagh.
