Competitors will this weekend have a feel of the route course for the 64th KCB Safari Rally slated June 10-12. The event, which will run on private farm roads will cover Nairobi, Soysambu and Elementaita.
Reconnaissance, according to rally manager Rohit Bhudia will be as per the event’s itinerary. Drivers will be out on recce this Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 6pm after which they will embark on their final phase of preparations.
“As always reconnaissance is used help drivers and navigators familiarise with the route. The good thing is that the event is running entirely on farm roads away from the hustle and bustle of human and motor traffic which is key towards the event’s safety plan. This means competitors can tackle stages flat-out without the fear of encountering traffic on the sections,” Rohit said.
Rohit said entries are still trickling and they expect house full before tomorrow’s deadline. Thirty drivers have already confirmed participation in the event, which counts towards the Kenya National Rally Championship. Four-times winner Carl “Flash” Tundo, ‘Flying Finn’ Tapio Laukkanen, Baldev Chager, Jaspreet Chatthe and Ian Duncan are among the big names enlisted for the event. Tundo will be co-driven by Tim Jessop while Tapio, who is currently the fastest driver will team up with compatriot Passi Torma in a Subaru Impreza R4. Imran Mogul of Nairobi has entered an ex -Naushad Kara Subaru N12 and will be navigated by Adnan Din of Mombasa. Osman Abdullahi who made his debut in Kisumu with 13th overall position will be making his first appearance in the Safari in an ex-Paras Pandya Subaru Impreza N10 same as Rehan Shah, who is driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9.
Geoff Mayes has entered a 3900cc Land Rover in the Specially Prepared Vehicle (SPV) class and is teaming up with female navigator Jamie Mctavish.