Champion Baldev Chager is determined to defend his East African Safari Classic Rally in wet conditions.
Chager believes the ongoing rains will make the event a tough-muddy-outing where most drivers will be compelled to change tack.
However, the Kabras Sugar Racing driver says he will have no choice but “to take the bull by its horns”.
“The Flying Singh” will team up with Gareth Dawe in a Porsche 911. He hopes to become the second driver to accomplish back-to-back wins after compatriot Rob Collinge (winner in 2003 and 2005).
The 11th edition of the Classic revs off at Vipingo Ridge on December 9.
“I haven’t sat in the Porsche for a while. We’ve not even managed a test yet as it’s been a little busy for me. But the Menengai boys in Nakuru have the car up and running and we should manage a shakedown very soon just to get a feel of the car and a little seat time,” said Chager.
“We don’t know what to expect since the route is always a secret. But it’s the same for everyone, so, we have to take the bull by the horns and take it as it comes. As always we have the Kabras brand backing our team and may have some co-sponsors but yet to be confirmed.”
“We just have a few days to carry out the final checks. There are also last-minute items that somehow come up in rallying and which need attention too,” said Chager.
Chager emerged as the winner of the belated tenth edition of the Safari Classic in Watamu last year.
The multiple Kenya National Rally Championship winner clocked 16:40:10.6 after the closing 24th stage to win the nine-day contest after leading for eight consecutive days.
Patrik Sandell of Sweden clocked 16:47:54.5 hours to eclipse Hall of Fame legend Ian Duncan from second place. Duncan settled for third in 17:12:12.4 hours.
Meanwhile, the nightstops for this year’s East African Safari Classic have been announced.
December 9: Prologue (Vipingo Ridge)
December 10: Day 1: Mombasa to Voi (Voi Wildlife Lodge)
December 11: Day 2: Voi to Amboseli (Amboseli Sopa Lodge)
December 12: Day 3: Amboseli to Naivasha (Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort)
December 13: Day 4: Naivasha to Nairobi (Tamarind Tree Hotel)
December 14: Day 5: Rest Day (Tamarind Tree Hotel)
December 15; Day 6: Nairobi to Amboseli (Amboseli Sopa Lodge)
December 16: Day 7: Amboseli (Amboseli Sopa Lodge)
December 17: Day 8: Amboseli to Voi (Voi Wildlife Lodge)
December 18: Day 9: Voi to Ukunda (Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort)
