Raging Team 23 Revved Up For 31st Edition Of The Rhino Charge

NAIROBI, Kenya- The crew of Car 23 is revved up to better their performance from last year when they take to the treacherous course of the 2019 Rhino Charge on June 1 according to their principal Peter Kinyua.

On top of showing their rugged driving mastery, the team is also out to top the KSh24m they raised in the 2018 Charge that was the most raised at the event organised support the activities of the charitable trust, the Rhino Ark Foundation.

Speaking to ahead of the 31st edition of the grueling event whose venue will be disclosed at a later date, Kinyua who is now the Chairman of the Kenya Forest Service believes they are set for more having welcomed technology and entertainment business, SportPesa on board to boost their efforts.

“Last year we did well and raised the most money out of all the participating teams. We are aiming for a larger number as we prepare for this year’s charge.

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“I have been a participant for 19 years and this is an event that I do not miss, I must attend every year. It’s for a great cause and as an environmentalist, I understand the importance of the Charge,” Kinyua told SportPesa News.

He was speaking after Car 23 that also has Brian Waruhiu and Robert Kariuki among the crew were handed a KSh7.5m cheque by SportPesa to extend their three year partnership.

“Being in charge of steering the vehicle is a huge task, just as all others. I’m a family man, a father of two and sometimes the pressure can be too much.

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Good course

“There are dangers that come with the sport like the car rolling for instance. It’s because I know we are doing this for a good cause that I can pick myself up and pull through until the end,” Kinyua started the Charge as a runner before he switched to driving added.

Team 23 managed to complete 11 out of 13 controls during last year’s edition, a commendable effort seeing as they were stuck for about an hour in the gauntlet trying to get the car back on course.

This mishap is one Kinyua believes should have never happened and emphasised that they will be better equipped to deal with any valley, ditch or hill they face this year.

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“The target is to finish and with a more desirable time than we did last year. We shouldn’t have gotten stuck but we did and it’s something that we just have to be more prepared for.

“Not too much has gone into changing the car. It will just be lighter, which we feel will work well in our favor,” he explained.

Despite the teams astounding achievement last year, they had to deal with a loss of Kariuki to a busted kneecap but the crew member will make his return for the 31st running.

“It was tough to have to retire from the race, though I was not completely out. I took up a new role acting as an aid for the team. Helping repair punctures or anything else they may have needed, I was there to assist.

“I'm really looking forward to this year though, as always it will be loads of fun as the team comes together but most importantly, we are aiming to raise the most money once again,” Kariuki stated.

His running partner, Waruhiu, echoed his teammate and long term friend's sentiments adding that other than that and the thrill aspect, the Charge keeps him fit.

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“Being a runner is very technical. We have to go ahead of the car and warn the driver of any upcoming dangers as we figure out the best ways around or through it.

“As I grow older I realize I can’t do this forever but I’m not about done yet. Running also keeps me in shape and I’m looking forward to a successful charge this year,” Waruhiu added.