This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
On April 3, 2018, the Top Fry Classic Safari Rally came to a thrilling conclusion at Lake Bogoria SPA and Resort in Baringo County, with Baldev Chager and co-driver Ravi Soni emerging victorious in their Mitsubishi Evo 10.
The win marked a significant upset, as the duo had to navigate through a challenging course in Naivasha, where several top contenders, including reigning African champion Manvir Baryan, faced misfortune.
Baryan, who was driving a Skoda Fabia, was on course for a historic win but was forced to retire after his car stalled in the middle of the road due to excessive dust.
Chager and Soni's victory was a result of their perseverance and skill, as they navigated through the challenging course and overcame several obstacles to take the top spot.
Speaking after the win, Chager expressed his gratitude to the organizers and the fans, saying, 'This was a tough, tough competition. It was a tense affair. It was a hard struggle, kind of competition I have never experienced before.'
Chager also expressed his optimism about Kenya's chances of hosting a World Rally Championship (WRC) event, saying, 'It is a taste of what is to come. All the rally drivers gave their all. The organisation was top notch, the support from Government and the fans was out of this world.'
