This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On Thursday, November 28, 2019, the East African Safari Rally roared to life in Mombasa, with a total of 20 contestants taking part in the event.
According to Clerk of the Course Raju Chaggar, the low number of local drivers in the entry list was a concern.
"I'm feeling apprehensive, the rains added more work for me closer to the start of the rally. I have already made alternative plans after spending the last three days of the stages," Chaggar told Nation Sport.
Debutant Osman Pryce of Wales set the fastest stage time in the opening stage (prologue) of the Safaricom-sponsored competition.
His Ford Escort was followed by the Porsche of Eugenio Amos of Italy, while Baldev Chager was the best placed local driver in the third place driving yet another Porsche.
Legendary driver Ian Duncan, in his new Rover Vitesse, expressed hope that it would work for him in this year's rally.
"The car is a Rover ST1, basically a 2.5 Range Rover V8 engine in a car that is long enough for mains, it is quite big, spacious and hopefully it works," Duncan said.
The crews will tackle Thursday's three competitive stages through Makinnon Road/Maungu, Kirubi/Taita Gate, and Mwatate/Shelembwa.
