This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 28, 2019, the Safaricom East African Safari Classic Rally kicked off in Mombasa, with 20 cars participating in the 4,500km rally.
Day One saw Baldev Chager take the lead, setting three consecutive fastest stage times with his navigator Ravi Soni in a Porsche 911.
Chager's performance was closely followed by Onkar Rai, who took the second place in a Porsche 911, and Stiq Blomqvist, the former winner of the event, who secured the third place, giving Porsche another major score.
However, the rally was not without its challenges, as Ian Duncan, a twice winner of the rally, was among the major casualties of the first day after his Rover Vitesse stopped in the second stage due to a head gasket problem.
East African Safari Classic Rally Chairman Raju Kishinani expressed disappointment at the low number of entrants, citing the recession as a possible reason. He also mentioned that the number of track marshals had been tripled throughout the course.
The competition is divided into the first four days within Kenya, with the second day featuring longer stages. Cars will be flagged off from Wild Life Lodge at 7am.
