Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set for the Safari Rally Kenya, their third WRC event. The rally adds gravel terrain to the mix, presenting significant challenges. Both drivers previously competed in the East African Safari Classic Rally. Aaron Johnston will also participate, looking to build on his podium finishes. The rally features a total of 21 demanding stages to test participants.
Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to participate in their third World Rally Championship event at the renowned Safari Rally Kenya this coming weekend. The duo, representing the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, is part of a three-car team utilizing the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1, building on their successful performances in Monte-Carlo and Sweden. This rally introduces gravel terrain, which differs significantly from the other gravel events on the WRC calendar.
Safari Rally Kenya is known for its challenging conditions, characterized by rugged terrain, treacherous fesh-fesh, and deceptive water splashes. Both drivers experienced a taste of the Safari’s intensity in late 2023 when they competed in the East African Safari Classic Rally in a Porsche 911. This 1,500-kilometre event offered the 25-year-old driver, McErlean, insight into the formidable challenges posed by the equatorial climate.
McErlean remarked, “I’ve said it about every rally so far this year, but this event is so unique, it’s hard to fully know what to expect.” He successfully navigated his Rally1 debut by adopting a cautious strategy during the icy conditions of Rally Monte-Carlo, earning M-Sport’s initial championship points. He demonstrated promising speed in Sweden’s snowy terrains before returning home, where he and his crew achieved their first overall rally victory in Ireland’s National Rally Championship.
Aaron Johnston, another representative from Motorsport Ireland, is gearing up for his fifth Safari Rally Kenya. As a co-driver for Toyota, Johnston boasts two podium finishes at this event alongside Takamoto Katsuta and is entering this year’s rally on a high note following a second-place finish in Sweden. The 383-kilometre rally commences with a shakedown on Wednesday morning, leading into the first two competitive stages on Thursday afternoon, encompassing a total of 21 challenging stages in one of the most demanding tests of the 2025 WRC season.
In summary, the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya presents a unique challenge for participants, especially for Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy, who have demonstrated commendable skills in previous rallies. Their experiences, along with Aaron Johnston’s formidable record, highlight the competitive spirit of this event. With an arduous course ahead, including various stages, the rally is poised to test the limits of both vehicles and crews amidst Kenya’s challenging landscapes.
Original Source: www.northernsound.ie
