This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
With two wins under his belt, Baldev Chager, the reigning Safari Rally champion, is gearing up to defend his title in the upcoming KCB Mombasa Rally, slated for August 16-17 in Kilifi County.
Chager, who will be piloting a Mitsubishi Evolution 10 R4 machine, is confident that his team has been well-prepared for the challenge ahead.
“Preparations have been running at full throttle and we are hoping to defend Mombasa Rally and indeed safeguard our championship lead,” Chager said.
Chager's confidence is not unfounded, given his impressive performance in the WRC Candidate Safari Rally, where he chalked up double points.
However, Chager remains cautious, acknowledging that Skoda Fabia R5 speedsters will be a tough competition to beat throughout the season.
“I’m approaching Mombasa round with lots of respect despite all the confidence generated from my back to back wins. The strategy on Mombasa Rally is like every other KNRC; really nothing different at all,” Chager said.
Chager's closest rival, Carl 'Flash' Tundo, is trailing behind him by ten points, with African Champion Manvir Baryan placed a distant third with 48 points.
Meanwhile, preparations for Mombasa Rally are in top gear, according to Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) Chairman, Roy McKenzie.
“The route promises to be a good mix of everything from technical, flat out and twisty. It will definitely be a good challenge for both drivers and navigators,” McKenzie added.
It's worth noting that KCB Bank Kenya has committed Kshs.75 million towards motorsports for the next three years, making a comeback as title sponsor of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).
