Amwari overhauls car, targets top-10 Safari finish

Local rally driver, Issa Amwari is targeting a top 10 finish at the 64th Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Safari Rally at Soysambu and Elementaita region on June 10 and 11.

Since he brought in new Mitsubishi Evolution X last year, he has not been performing well due to hitches in his car and has embarked on extensive repairs to fulfil his ambition at the signature Kenya National Rally Championship round.

“Last time in Kajiado, the car broke the control arm. We didn’t perform well, doing just 8 km and unfortunately again in Kisumu, it developed mechanical issues with computers not well mapped and struggled with power,” Amwari said at the launch press conference in Nairobi on Thursday.

The enthusiastic Menengai Cream Racing driver told that he has done a complete overhaul of his car at his workshop in Karen, Nairobi in readiness for the Safari.

“After Kisumu, we brought in new transmissions and gear boxes. We have done a major rebuild of our engine; we are good and ready to go,” he added.

“We are not yet back to our rhythm, but from my experience a top ten position wouldn’t be too much to ask.”

He will be conducting a reconnaissance on this weekend in Nakuru that has same climate with Elmentaita and he will also bring in an expert from the United Kingdom to do mapping in preparation for the rally.

This year’s Safari will witness dozens of cars including classic Ford Escorts and Porsches, 2WD Toyotas, Group N Mitsubishi Evolutions and Subarus, R4s and Ford Fiesta R5s compete for honours in the various categories.

The Kenya Motorsports Federation postponed the Safari which was scheduled to be held from March 24th to 27th (Easter Weekend) due to logistical challenges.

Report by Edward Mokuah