This archive report was first published on 6 July 2019.
Published on July 6, 2019, thousands of spectators flocked to Soysambu and Elementaita spectator stages for a fun-filled day of the WRC Candidate Event Safari Rally.
Among them was Kakuru Osman from Uganda, who expressed his enthusiasm for the event despite financial constraints: "I wanted to come with my family but I couldn’t afford it."
Osman, however, was determined to make the most of the experience, saying, "We had to form a group and hire this car. Next year, we are coming again."
On the racing front, Baldev Chager and Ravi Soni took the lead in the 22km SS 3 Soysambu stage, averaging 75.3kph and opening a 7.5-second gap over Africa Rally champion Manvir Baryan and Drew Strurrock in a Skoda Favia R5.
Onka Rai and Gareth Dawe, also in a Skoda, posted a similar time, while Zambian couple Leroy and Urshula Gomes trailed behind in a Ford Fiesta R5, 31.3 seconds behind the leaders.
Former Safari Rally champion Ian Duncan, navigated by Anthony Nielsen in a Mitsubishi EVO X, finished fourth, 20 seconds adrift.
Super Special Stage winner Carl "Flash" Tundo and Tim Jessop in another Mitsubishi rounded out the top 10.
