NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 5 – In classic rallying, there’s always a curveball on every single endeavor the race crews embark on.
For instance, crews only receive their notes on the night before in order to plan accordingly for the days ahead.
That’s the time they get to catch a glimpse of their next itinerary and road-books that give finer details of what to expect and how to navigate through a their spirited gravel run.
These are usually tulip diagrams which are a far cry from the usual pace notes used in modern special stage racing.
A tulip is a graphical portrayal of a route instruction which generally needs no accompanying text.
A sign or landmark may be incorporated in a tulip if needed, Tulips are often used on the popular touring and endurance events and are a staple of stage rallies where pace-notes are not used.
“Compared to the usual rallying format,” defending Mini Classic Champion Baldev Chager explains, “Classic is a completely different ball game-I mean-the whole feeling, the whole concept of service, longer stages and then of course the fact that we don’t have pace-notes.”
Chager quips: “And one of the most interesting facets about Classic rallying is the fact that we competitors don’t even know where we go. we are only given tulip diagrams, a night before the race.”
What’s more, Classics have night-stops where drivers usually take a break in order to resume action the following morning.
Such will be the feeling of exhilaration that the East African Mini Classic will present next week.
A precursor to the main biennial East Africa Safari Classic Rally, the Mini Classic will traverse some of Safari’s most picturesque terrains in the Great Rift Valley and Western Kenya.
–World Beating Athletes–
The Great Rift Valley, and by extension Eldoret and its neighboring towns, are known for it’s world- beating long and middle runner.
But beginning December 9, the hills around the “home of champions” will reverberate with the roar of classic machines where more speed and gusto will be the order of the day.
The event will be flagged off from Nakuru before traversing high-altitude Eldoret areas, the world famous Cherangani Hills and roads around Western Kenya that were synonyms with the Safari of the old.
Action will run for hree-days featuring a mammoth 1000km distance.
According to EASC Chairman Joey Ghose, the Mini Classic will not only offer a unique challenge to both teams and drivers, it is envisaged to test cockpit adroitness to the fullest.
But Ghose reveals that the high altitude drive through the treacherous and windy Cherangani Hills will call for unique driving ability given countless hairpin bends with massive drops.
–Countless Hairpin Bends–
Ghose reckons that the most challenging section will be the Cherangani Hills where some sections have 28 hairpins.
He narrates: “Generally, the tough sections will be where you have escarpments. Cherangani has a lot of windy and twisty roads, and is very technical. It’s not a rally where you can afford to make a mistake.”
Generally, in the KNRC when you go off the road you may land on a bank and you are able to recover quite quickly. In the Mini Classic it is 3000feet off the cliff right into the cliffside, so you have to be careful in your driving.”
The Classic boss reveals that all formalities are now complete. “We have everything in place- route and marshals, and so much more. We are looking at the weather, and from all indications, looks like it’s going to be a wet event. The Boda Boda community and association will be marshalling the roads and ensuring that there will be non-competing traffic on the roads.”
“But it will be a very exciting event and I think this will be one of the toughest drives in the history of Kenyan rallying in the recent past. So, I am looking forward to a very exciting three days. It’s going to offer a unique experience to the entrants and spectators alike.”
“It’s a new terrain, new countryside and a good exposure for Kenya as a tourism destination’ he added.
The rally will start on December 9 at 7am at Sarova Woodlands with the day’s run ending up in Eldoret in the evening at Rupa Mall’s Eka Hotel which will be the rally Headquarters until the finish on December 11.
–Car Eligibility–
Eligible Cars are passenger type Motor Cars built before 31st December1985 with not more than six seats.
What’s more, Classic Safari Rally Class Structure has Class 1 of upto and including 1600cc, Class 2 –up to and including 2000cc, Class 3 –up to and including 3000cc, and Class 4 –Over 3000cc. Four-wheel drive, turbochargers and superchargers are not permitted.
Where a vehicle has been manufactured after 31stDecember 1985 and is mechanically and bodily identical to those manufactured and consistent with an appropriate FIA homologation prior to this date,it’s body and the vehicle will be considered eligible to enter the event.
The onus is on the competitor to prove the specification of the vehicle is consistent with the regulations.
MINI CLASSIC PROGRAM PROGRAMME
SCRUTINEERING & TRACKING SYSTEM FITTING: Thursday 8th December 2022 – Start from 07h00 to 15h00 in Nakuru, Sarova Woodlands Hotel.
STEWARDS FIRST MEETING : Thursday, 8th December 2022 at 16h00 in Nakuru, Sarova Woodlands Hotel.
PUBLICATION OF START LIST : Thursday, 8th December 2022 at 17h00 in Nakuru, Sarova Woodlands Hotel.
DRIVERS BRIEFING : Thursday, 8th December 2022 from 17h30 in Nakuru, Sarova Woodlands
Hotel.
WELCOME PARTY: Thursday, 8th December 2022 from 18h00 in Nakuru, Sarova Woodlands Hotel.
START OF RALLY : Friday, 9th December 2022 at 08h00 in Nakuru
FINISH OF RALLY : Sunday, 11th December 2022 from approx. 14h00 in Eldoret, Eka Hotel.
POST EVENT SCRUTINEERING : Sunday, 11th December 2022 from approx. 14h30 in Eldoret, Eka Hotel.
PUBLICATION OF PROVISIONAL RESULTS : Sunday 11th December 2022 at 16h30.
RAMP CEREMONY : Sunday 11th December 2022 after publication of provisional results. At 17h00.
OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD: At Rally Headquarters in Nakuru and Eldoret
