photo courtesy of Socrates Owino
First run in 2003, The legendary East Africa Safari Classic Rally is a nine-day rally covering up to 5,000km across the region. Safari Classic reawakens the spirit of the original Safari Rally, which put East Africa on the motorsport map and gained a reputation as the world’s toughest rally from the rough terrain and changing weather patterns.
The rally is Open to two-wheel drive, normally aspirated, FIA rally cars built before 1986. The Safari Classic replicates the incredible challenge of the original Safari and weaves a new adventure through the magical Kenyan landscape, passing through world renowned game parks and overnighting at many of the finest lodges in Kenya. The racing fans will get a glimpse of drivers as they cruise, traversing 13 counties. Day one of the rally will covered a total of 496 km with 242km set aside for competitive racing.
CS Amina said the 10th Edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally promises to offer an exceptional experience to the 48 drivers and navigators, and a magnificent display of skills and prowess to spectators across the 11 Counties that fall within its course. “It is worth noting that safari rally remains at the core of our national heritage. Our passion and excitement whenever we watch the safari rally is an inherent trait that is palpable”, she added. The CS said the competition speaks of Kenya’s cultural richness, our unparalleled enthusiasm, and the inimitable power that sports, as a sector, has in enhancing national cohesion and unity. She said the presence of renowned local and international rally drivers was a mark of approval of the quality of the competition and its growing popularity globally
Popular names ready to take on the journey from Naivasha are Kenyan rallying champions Baldev ‘Boldy’ Chager, Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo-who will be competing against his father Frank who has done over 60 rallies in his lifetime, Ian Duncan and the defending champion Kris Rosenberger (Austria). Former Kenyan champion Lee Rose, YouTube guru Ken Block and former Kenya National Rally Championships star Quentin Mitchell are also in the race.