KNRC Premier Class driver Eric Bengi reckons majority of local drivers hoping to debut next month's WRC Safari Rally Kenya will have a chance to savor an experience of a lifetime.
"I’m overly excited. It’s going to be our first WRC in 19 years as a country. Most of us were very young then and didn't know much about motorsport when the last event of such magnitude was held in Kenya. It's a good thing that it has come because majority of the current drivers have never competed in an event of such magnitude. Personally, to say that I'm really looking forward to it is an understatement. Obviously, It's a dream come true and I can’t wait to steer my amazing vehicle to victory." an enthusiastic Bengi said.
Bengi vividly remembers the last WRC in 2002 when he went out to cheer on the world rally teams.
"I hold these vivid memories when the Peugeot 206 was competing in the Safari in 2002.I mean, it’s quite exciting and unbelievable that today we're are the generation doing this bewildering event alongside WRC drivers. WRC cars will whip us hands down, yes. The car is out of this world to say the least. But it will be exciting to see how the R5's fare against WRC 2 teams," Bengi said.
Carl "Flash" Tundo and Rai siblings Onkar and Tejveer will steer VW Polo R5 cars which are a step below the WRC super car.
Bengi will be behind the wheels of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (R4) and will be navigated by the indefatigable Peter Mutuma.
The much fancied super cars in the forthcoming WRC Safari Rally may have thrown the spanner in the works for local R4 and Group N cars, but Bengi still believes he has got something up his sleeves to cause ripples of sorts.
The former Group N and Division One Champion also believes the fabled event may require certain amounts of calmness "but again World Rally Teams are experienced and race professionally."
"Here in Kenya, racing is like pastime, meaning we have our work commitments to deal with. A WRC driver lives, eats and sleeps rallying, so it will be interesting to see how they shall tackle Safari. All the three world rally teams (Toyota Gazoo, Hyundai Motorsport and M-Sport Ford) are yet to race in Africa so it will be a whole new experience for all and sundry."
Bengi's Evolution X is undergoing a strip rebuild at the Baldev Chager's BHP Performance workshop in up-market Spring Valley neighborhood in Nairobi.
"We are overly excited that WRC is back. Number one, there will be a lot of knowledge transfer from these drivers coming from elsewhere. Then Number 2, there is a lot of exchange that we need to learn from these people- how do they drive? How they prepare their teams! how organized they are and so on and so forth?
‘’In terms of how prepared we are, I can only say the same goes without saying and I believe action will speak louder than words in a month’s time,” he said..
Bengi said in no uncertain terms that the car- in as much as it looks as its a shell- will be pretty much together way before then.
'I'm lucky to have Boldy (Baldev Chager) to prepare it. When you have a champion preparing your car, you also benefit from many things like advice and stuff,'' he quipped.
Bengi is also excited that his car is homologated and passes the test as required by the World Governing Body, FIA.
"The car qualifies for the event, just a few upgrades from the scrutineering requirements which we will be compliant when the time comes for pre- event inspection."
The event is sponsored by the Government of Kenya with KCB Bank Kenya and Toyota Kenya being co-sponsors.
"KCB supports the organization of the event and without sufficient finances you cannot do much. It's quite encouraging how they have remained supportive over the years. Menengai have lent a helping hand too and I'm glad we are able to compete at the highest level courtesy of their support." Bengi said.
