Irish Drivers Ready for Challenge at Safari Rally Kenya

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy will compete in the Safari Rally Kenya, their third WRC event in 2025, amidst challenging gravel terrains. Both drivers have been performing well in previous rallies, and this event will test their skills in extreme conditions. Fellow competitor Aaron Johnston will also participate, aiming for another podium finish.

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to make their third appearance in the World Rally Championship (WRC) at the renowned Safari Rally Kenya this weekend. Competing as part of an M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 team, they have shown commendable performances in previous rounds, including Monte-Carlo and Sweden. The Safari Rally introduces gravel terrain, distinct from other gravel events on the WRC calendar, presenting unique challenges.

This year’s Safari Rally Kenya is particularly arduous, characterized by rough landscapes, fesh-fesh, and deceptive water splashes, which will undoubtedly test the endurance of both vehicles and drivers. Previously, McErlean and Treacy experienced the essence of the Safari at the end of 2023, completing the East African Safari Classic Rally in a Porsche 911, providing McErlean a taste of the challenging conditions expected in this event.

McErlean expressed the uncertainty surrounding this unique rally, stating, “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.” Despite this, he successfully approached his Rally1 debut at Monte-Carlo, earning M-Sport’s initial championship points, and demonstrated encouraging speed in Rally Sweden, ultimately securing their first overall victory in Ireland’s National Rally Championship.

Another notable participant is Aaron Johnston, who is embarking on his fifth Safari Rally Kenya as a co-driver for Toyota. With two podium finishes in previous Safaris, Johnston enters this year’s event in strong form, following a commendable second-place finish in Rally Sweden. The Safari Rally stretches over 383 kilometers, commencing with a shakedown on Wednesday and featuring 21 competitive stages, marking it as one of the most demanding rallies in the 2025 WRC calendar.

In summary, the Safari Rally Kenya presents a significant challenge for all competitors, including Irish representatives Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy, alongside Aaron Johnston. With distinct gravel terrains and formidable environments, this event will test the limits of vehicles and drivers. As the rally progresses, it will showcase not only the participants’ skills but also the unpredictable nature of rallying in Kenya’s unique landscape.

Original Source: www.northernsound.ie