Youngster Rajveer banks on navigator Ayuko's experience ahead of next month's Nakuru Rally

Rajveer Thethy clears a jump at the wheel of a Subaru Impreza.  He will be navigated by Linet Ayuko on Nakuru Rally. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Rising star Rajveer Thethy is gearing up for the fourth round of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) with a new navigator, Linet Ayuko, by his side.

Ayuko, a multiple Safari Rally finisher and Kenya’s Navigator of the Year in 2021, is set to bring her wealth of experience to the team as they prepare for the Nakuru Rally, slated for August 2-3 in Baringo.

The event, organized by Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club (RVMSC), will run under the theme “Racing For Peace In Baringo.” Rajveer is optimistic that Ayuko’s guidance will be crucial in navigating the challenging stages of the rally.

Rajveer expressed his excitement about partnering with Ayuko, stating, "It will be my first time partnering with her (Linet) and I’m overly excited because she brings a wealth of experience and has achieved significant feats in the rally world. I’ve heard that there will be a tarmac stage in the rally, which sounds very exciting."

Ayuko, who has been a mentor to several budding drivers in the KNRC, is eager to see how their partnership will unfold. "The opportunity to mentor a rising star is truly remarkable," Ayuko remarked.

"It allows me to contribute my knowledge and experience to the development of a promising driver. His potential is evident, and I am eager to witness his continued growth in the sport."

She added, "My expectations are consistently focused on ensuring the driver successfully completes the race and reaches the ramp. I prioritize fostering a collaborative and enjoyable work environment that enables us to deliver an exceptional performance and create a positive impression for our sponsors."

Rajveer Thethy displays his trophies during a past circuit event. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

For Rajveer, the Nakuru Rally will mark his first appearance in the 2024 KNRC season. His aim is to gain more seat-time and secure good finishing positions.

"This will be a fun new challenge, especially since our car is set up for gravel stages. It will be tricky to make up time on the tarmac stage, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to adapt and perform under different conditions," Rajveer noted.

Rajveer, who has contested eight career KNRCs alongside Wayne Fernandes, has set his sights on achieving a podium finish.

In 2022, he became the youngest competitor to participate and finish the Mini Classic Rally in Eldoret, driving a Datsun PA10. He has also been crowned the Autocross champion in the 2WD NT Car Category in 2021.

Linet Ayuko after a past race. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

As Rajveer and Ayuko prepare for the Nakuru Rally, their partnership is expected to be a formidable force, blending youthful enthusiasm with seasoned expertise.

With Ayuko’s mentorship, Rajveer is poised to make significant strides in his rallying career, aiming for an exceptional performance in Baringo.

The Nakuru Rally promises to be an exciting event, with Rajveer and Ayuko determined to leave a mark on the KNRC circuit.

Rajveer's Rally Stats: 2023:

SUC Guru Nanak Rally with Fernandes Wayne (Subaru Impreza) - Retired

Eldoret Rally with Fernandes Wayne (Subaru Impreza) - 5th overall

RSC Machakos Rally with Fernandes Wayne (Subaru Impreza) - Retired

2022:

East African Mini Classic Rally with Aswani Absalom (Datsun Violet 160J) - 24th overall

RSC Machakos Rally with Fernandes Wayne (Subaru Impreza) - 6th overall

Nanyuki Rally with Fernandes Wayne (Subaru Impreza) - Retired

KMSC Kajiado Rally with Fernandes Wayne (Subaru Impreza) - Retired

2021:

KCB SUC Guru Nanak Rally with Fernandes Wayne (Subaru Impreza) - 8th overall