Amin Tufail; one name synonymous with everything thrilling from at last weekend’s Rally of Tanzania.
The pre-rally talk had Tufail among the crews expected to put up exciting action in an inferior car than his competitors.
The 27-year-old Amin indeed lived to the billing with a sublime performance that created as much debate.
The Subaru GC8 driver convincingly posted the second fastest times in all day one’s three stages before his car suffered overheating that forced him out of the rally.
Tufail shared with Kawowo Sports what drives him during a race.
“I just drive. I love speed and rally is the only place I get to speed without any restrictions,” he said.
Tufail Amin(L) and his current navigator
The FIA trained driver has registered more retirements than finishes.
“I drive targeting a win, finish is a second option and only when a fellow competitor is faster than me and I know I can’t beat him then I opt take a finish.”
“I would rather drive it to the limits and win it instead of sneak up to the podium the rest is part of the game,”he asserts.
He further shared what it means to beat stronger cars than his.
“My performance means not to buy a $80,000 car when I can do it with a $15,000 car regardless of mechanical issues.”
Tufail’s first car that won the 2012 2WD class
Meanwhile, Tufail’s performance has won the hearts of the Uganda rally fraternity. He has been extended an invitation to take part in Pearl of Africa Rally in September.
“I cannot confirm it now because the logistics are beyond me, but if I am fully sponsored to come I will not hesitate.”
“Some Ugandan drivers have promised to sponsor me, but until it’s confirmed then I announce my coming,” he said.
Tufail currently has no points on the TNRC standings as is yet to finish an event this year.
About Tufail Amin Tufail.
•He started rallying at the age of 22 in VW beetle.
•He was part of the 2014 FIA young drivers’ Academy in South Africa.
•He won his first title ever in a Two-Wheel drive(2WD) category with the classic VW beetle in 2012.
•He built his rally car from the scratch and it is one of the oldest cars.
•He won his first TNRC event last year during Morogoro rally.
•He is currently among the top fastest drivers in Tanzania.