This archive report was first published on 1 August 2019.
On July 31, 2019, the Top Fry Classic Safari Rally got underway at the picturesque Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nyeri County, with a colourful flagging off ceremony.
Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Mureithi flagged off a total of 24 classic cars, categorized in three groups, which headed out to the plains of Laikipia County.
"As Laikipians, we are excited to host such a big rallying event," said Governor Ndiritu. "It affords us an opportunity to showcase our county to the world and what it has to offer."
Smooth and blistering fast gravel roads, littered by gut-wrenching jumps, lay in wait for both young and seasoned rally drivers as they set out to cover 276.23km on the opening leg.
First off the ramp at 8.00am was Baldev Chager, who teamed up with Ravi Soni in a Kabras Rally Team Porsche 911.
Chager took the lead on day one, with Carl 'Flash' Tundo and Geof Bell following closely behind.
However, the day was not without its casualties, with several drivers pulling out due to mechanical issues, including veteran Jayant Shah and local rally ace Ian Duncan.
