NAIROBI, Kenya, March 10 – Former national rally champion Baldev Chager believes whoever wins next month’s KCB Safari Rally stands a chance of claiming the overall national title.
Chager told Capital Sport at the launch of the East African Rally Challenge that he is particular looking forward to racing in Thika because the pristine terrain allows drivers to register good times.
“The Safari is going to be an interesting event because of the short stages, so there’s no time to relax. This is the only rally where the winner gets 120 points unlike the events which is 80,” said Chager.
“From the flag off, its one hundred and percent commitment plus good preparation and you have to do the best that you can,” he added.
The Safari Rally has been slated to also take part within the Kajiado areas.
The rally will kick off the challenge that also involves the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally and the Mountain Gorilla Rally.
An additional event is been planned for Tanzania once discussions are concluded with the motor rallying authorities.
“The KCB EARC is without doubt, the toughest, most popular and exciting event in the regional rallying calendar,” said Sam Kimani, the Deputy CEO Group Controls.
The series was inaugurated in 2008 to recognize the growing popularity of motor sports across the region. Over the years, the series has continued to attract new talents in motorsports.
Graduates of the Kenya Rally Drivers Association (KRDA) Academy will be a key addition to the list of participants in this year’s rally series and are expected to feature prominently in the Safari rally.
The Young Star Driver Challenge has also been another important front through which the rally has endeared itself to aspiring rally drivers under the age of 27 years, and its past winner, Alex Horsey is expected to give seasoned drivers a run for their money.
