Irish Competitors Gear Up for Challenging Safari Rally Kenya

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy will compete at the Safari Rally Kenya as part of the World Rally Championship, leading M-Sport Ford’s efforts. The event features challenging gravel terrain and tests crews with its notorious conditions. Fellow competitor Aaron Johnston also prepares for his fifth Safari, aiming for strong results following recent podium finishes.

Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy are set to participate in their third World Rally Championship event of 2025 at the renowned Safari Rally Kenya this weekend. The duo, representing the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, leads a group of three M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 entries after demonstrating strong performances in previous rallies in Monte-Carlo and Sweden. The Safari Rally introduces gravel terrain for the first time this season, differing significantly from prior gravel events on the WRC calendar.

The Safari Rally Kenya is infamous for its challenging and demanding conditions, featuring rugged landscapes, notorious fesh-fesh, and deceptive water crossings that will thoroughly test both vehicles and teams. McErlean and Treacy experienced the essence of the Safari at the end of 2023 by completing the East African Safari Classic Rally in a Porsche 911, which provided vital insight into the tough conditions typical of the equatorial region.

McErlean commented on the unique nature of the 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.” His initial performance at the Rally Monte-Carlo was commendable, as he wisely approached the icy surface, securing M-Sport’s first championship points for the current year. This was followed by a strong showing at Rally Sweden before the duo’s return to Ireland, where they clinched their first overall victory in the National Rally Championship.

Additionally, fellow Motorsport Ireland member Aaron Johnston will embark on his fifth Safari Rally Kenya, having secured two podium finishes alongside co-driver Takamoto Katsuta in previous outings. Johnston enters this year’s rally in optimal form, following an impressive second place on Rally Sweden. The event commences with a shakedown on Wednesday morning, leading into two competitive stages on Thursday afternoon, featuring a total of 21 stages, marking one of the most grueling tests on the 2025 WRC calendar.

The participation of McErlean, Treacy, and Johnston in the Safari Rally Kenya highlights their readiness for one of the most challenging events on the World Rally Championship calendar. With the introduction of gravel terrain and the event’s legendary difficulties, competitors will face a true test of skill and endurance. Their previous experiences and solid performances in earlier rallies add to the anticipation surrounding the unique challenges presented by the Safari Rally.

Original Source: www.northernsound.ie