Caroline Gatimu (left) with Tuta Mionki display their new Minti Motorsports attire in Nairobi ahead of this weekend's Mini Classic.

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 exiciting  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: "Iam glad to experience a completely 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 Baldev Chager, Ian Duncan, Carl Tundo and Raaji Bharij among others.

Foreign teams will also spice up the. 3day- 1000km rally which will traverse some of Kenya's historic terrains of the old type Safari.

Among the foreigners listed for the weekend  include Lola Verlaque/Edward Verlaque of South Africa in a VW Golf MK1, Briton Malcom Rich in a Ford Escort MK2, the Dutch-Belgian team of Remon Vos and Stephane Prevot in a Porsche 911.

Others are Irish driver Tom Wright in a Ford Escort, Belgian Mercedes driver Bart Vanhavebeke and the all-South African crew of Jose Sardinha and Glen Castle in a Pajero.