Premier Class driver Eric Bengi believes he can produce a great performance on his Nanyuki Rally on Saturday.
And after retiring in Ramisi last month, the driver hopes ‘rally gods’ will spare him the jinx that he has had to contend with time and again.
Bengi is seeded fourth behind Issa Amwari (EVOX), Baldev Chager (VW Polo R5) and Carl Tundo (EVOX) and is looking to savour a great racing experience with his navigator Peter Mutuma.
The Nairobi-based speedster said he has taken the necessary steps to fix the incessant gremlins on his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.
Bengi wants to go sensibly fast in Nanyuki and improve on what he did in the last two events in Machakos and Ramisi. But the first target, he said, is to minimise the risks and get the Evo to the finish.
“We had a few problems in Machakos as well as in Ramisi, failing to finish in the latter. But we have had a thorough going-over of the car as we had a few issues with the fuel system,” narrated Bengi.
"That has been sorted out. We tested the car last weekend and it feels good. Just a few improvements here and there — a few touch ups so to say. We had a small dent from testing but it’s nothing to worry about."
He said he has always enjoyed the compact route setting in Nanyuki where traction control has always been great.
“Our experience in Nanyuki has been quite good. We are looking forward to that this weekend. We are looking forward to a finish, at least a good, strong finish — just like the remaining events of the season. We would like to keep up the pace. At least pace ourselves with the top boys. I hope we will have a better season next year with more finishes,” added Bengi.
The Nanyuki Rally Group round of the Kenya National Rally Championship will revolve around Ole Naishu and Greystone ranches, a completely new route.
KCB Nanyuki Rally Itinerary (1st Car)
START (Greystones) 09:00
Remote refuel (all competitors)
SS1 Mlima Hema 1 (28.65KM) 09:33
SS2 Ole Naishu 1 (41.51KM) 10:16
SS3 Greystones 1 (7.86KM) 11:19
3A Technical Zone In 11:29
3B Technical Zone Out - Service IN 11:32
Service A - Greystones
3C Service Out
Remote Refuel (all competitors)
SS4 Mlima Hema 2 (28.65KM) 12:35
SS5 Ole Naishu 2 (41.51km) 13:18
SS6 Greystones 2 (Power Stage-7.86KM) 14:21
6A Service In 14:31
Service B - Greystones
6B Service Out - Final Parc Fermé in 14:41
Totals
156.04KM (Competitive Distance)
60.70KM (Transport Distance)
216.74KM (Total Competitive)
