Veteran rally driver, Baldev 'Boldy' Chager from Kenya, faces tough competition from defending champion, Eugenio Amos from Italy, as he fights to reclaim the East African Safari Classic Rally title in the 12th edition of the championship scheduled for December 5 to 13.
The annual competition will be held in Taita Taveta, Kwale and Kajiado counties, and has attracted 69 drivers from 75 countries. It will cover a total competitive distance of 2,200 kilometres over a period of two weeks.
Chager, who will compete in a Porsche 911 car, won the 2022 championship with his co-driver Drew Sturrock from Britain in the same car.
However, Chager is yet to secure a co-driver for this year’s competition.
Fans will be treated to a battle of champions when Chager takes on defending champion, Italian Eugenio Amos, in a contest of speed, endurance, and skill.
Amos will again be navigated by Paolo Ceci, but in a new car, a Ferrari 308, which is making its debut in the rally.
In 2024, Amos held nerve to win the 11th edition of the rally in a Porsche 911 car, clocking in after 14 hours, 42 minutes and 35.2 seconds. This year, he will be at the wheels of vintage Ferrari 308 car in the marathon-style competition.
The rally, which will feature two-wheel drive cars, will be more of a test of endurance rather than speed. The competitive distance has been increased from 1,300 kilometres in 2023, to 2,200km this year.
The competition will begin in Diani, Kwale County, and will take crews through Voi in Taita Taveta county to Amboseli in Kajiado County. The participants will then drive back to Diamonds Leisure Beach Resort for the awards ceremony.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kwale County on Friday, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary of Administration Evans Achoki said the government has deliberately targeted the coastal region for the competition in its drive to spur sports tourism in the country.
The event comes only days after the conclusion of the Africa Road Cycling Championships that ended on Sunday in Kwale.
“We want to revive the culture and position Kenya as a sports tourism destination. This will grow the economy and nurture young talents,” Achoki, who was accompanied by the Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF) president Maina Muturi, said.
Muturi explained that the initial plan was for this year’s edition to drive through Tanzania, but safety concerns were raised especially among international drivers.
“We had planned to go to Tanzania, but changed plans due to General Election in Tanzania. The participants raised safety concerns. In future, we plan to drive to all the East African countries, including Rwanda,” he said.
Deputy clerk of course, Riaz Ismael, said top drivers from around the globe have confirmed participation. This year's competition will be focused on team enjoyment.
He said at least 12 Kenyan crews will compete, among them three national champions. The historical race will be held over two weeks.
Another noticeable entry is that of Jos Verstappen, father of reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen. He will compete in a Porsche 911 car.
On Friday, Riaz stated that the rally will rev off on the first day in Diani, at Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort.
On the second and third day of the competition, crews will start from Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa, before continuing to the Amboseli Spa Lodge on the fourth day. Crews will take a rest day on December 9, and resume competition on the sixth day.
“We will start the competition from Taita Taveta on December 5, and finish in Diani on December 9 where the first car will be expected from 2pm. It will be a great sight to see historic cars roaring down the roads,” Mr Ismael observed.
Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde said plans are already in place to boost the security of the area.
“Security is paramount. Since this is going across three counties, we are collaborating with security bosses from Taita Taveta County and Kajiado County to ensure that everything is in place,” he said.
