Kenya: All-Women’s Crew of Gatimu, Tuta Set for Mini Classic Debut

Nairobi — The all-women’s crew of Carol Gatimu and Tuta Mionki are looking forward to their Mini Classic Rally debut ahead of action which revs off at the Sarova Woodlands Nakuru this weekend.

Prior to action proper on Friday, Tuta and Gatimu will present their Minti Motorsports Datsun machine for pre-event scrutineering which will dominate the event’s program on Thursday.

The duo took their classic machine for a performance test in Kimuka and sounded febrile well in time for the event that will traverse some of.Safari’s historic routes in the Great Rift Valley including Cherangani Hills.

Tuta, who is the 2018 Kenya Motorsport Personality of the Year remarked: “It’s exiting to sit alongside Caroline (Gatimu). We have known each other for years but this is the first time an opportunity to sit together has presented itself. This is my first Classic Rally. I have always wanted to take part in this legendary event and I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Tuta went on: “Carol and I are taking part for the first time and expect to have loads of fun and bring the car to the last TC (Time Control) in one piece on the last day on Sunday.”

Gatimu, who participated in last weekend’s RSC Autocross event at Kasarani thanked Minti Motorsports for the opportunity to explore a completely different type of motoring which is associated with endurance and nostalgia.

Gatimu on her part said of the Datsun 1600 SSS they tested ahead of the weekend: “I am glad to experience a complete new feeling of the rally sport in a classic set up. We ran a successful test run which was all good in terms of the car performance, suspension and all facets of the car’s operation. The car is in brilliant shape and happy with what the mechanics have done so far, we are good to go,” said Gatimu.

Tuta added that she is well-versed with the Tulips which are traditionally used in the navigation of classic cars; and which is a far cry from from the usual pace-notes.

Tuta: “I started racing using Tulips and a GPS when I took part on the Cross Country (now known as Raid Raid) championship back in 2011/2012 and I hope that I can remember to do that. I have gotten used to recces over the years and work well with precise pace-notes. It will be an exciting challenge to go back to tulips and over so many kilometers. I am looking forward to it.”

The event has attracted quite a sizable chunk of Kenyan big boys among them too Swed Baldev Chager, Ian Duncan, Carl Tundo and Raaji Bharij among others.