Caroline Gatimu, a seasoned figure in Kenyan women’s rallying, is in full throttle preparing her vehicle for the WRC Safari Rally.
As a navigator, she will once again team up with her daughter, Tinashe Gatimu, aiming to make a mark in what is considered one of the most grueling rally events globally.
“We’re in the final stages of preparation, with testing slated for the next week or so. It’s crucial for us to be in top physical and mental shape to compete at the WRC level,” stated Caroline, who, along with Tinashe, is sponsored by Vivo Energy Kenya. They will be piloting a Ford Fiesta for the race scheduled from March 28-31, 2024, in Naivasha.
Caroline emphasized the importance of thorough test runs to sync with their car’s rhythm before the rally. “A rally car’s readiness is only proven through testing. We’re accustomed to the unpredictability of the sport, but we’re confident in our team’s expertise to have the car in prime condition,” she added.
Tinashe, who made her WRC Safari Rally debut last year at 18, is looking to leverage her initial experience to improve her performance. Despite the demands of her education, Tinashe has mastered the balance between her studies and rallying passion.
“Tinashe’s dedication to both school and sports is exemplary. She’s gearing up for an exam just before the rally, but we’ve managed to schedule our test drives around her school commitments,” her mother shared.
The Gatimus will be in the company of other formidable women in rallying, including veteran driver Pauline Sheghu with navigator Linet Ayuko, and Autocross star Jennifer Malik, as they gear up to take on the WRC Safari Rally’s challenging tracks.
