Action during a previous East African Safari Classic Rally/ HANDOUTMore than 60 elite drivers are set to battle for glory at the 12th edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally, which revs off from December 5 to 13 across six counties.
The Classic Rally will traverse Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Makueni and Kajiado.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya estimated that 110 million viewers will to tune in to watch the Classic.
“More than 60 elite international rally drivers from across the world will participate in this historic event, which is expected to attract an estimated 110 million viewers globally,” said Mvurya.
The viewership reinforces the country’s status as a global sports tourism hub.
“This will firmly place Kenya in the international sports and tourism spotlight,” Mvurya said.
Hosting the rally is a testament to Kenya’s undisputed status as the home of motorsport.
The rally will traverse some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes, showcasing both motorsport and tourism.
“This thrilling international motorsport spectacle will traverse six iconic counties — Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Makueni and Kajiado — showcasing the country’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and legendary rally terrain that has, for decades, made Kenya a global motorsport destination.”
The Classic Rally traces its roots back to 1953, when it was held as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Over the years, the event has undergone several changes in format and organisation.
In 2003, the East African Safari Classic Rally was established as a separate event to revive the spirit of the original rally and cater for classic car enthusiasts.
“The Safari Classic Rally will feature historic vehicles manufactured before 1985, carefully preserved and prepared to recreate the raw spirit, technical difficulty and legendary endurance that defined the original Safari Rally,” Mvurya added.
Baldev Chager and his navigator Ravi Chager won the event last year in a Porsche 911 with an accumulative time of 5:28:55.2.
The 2023 title was claimed by Italian Amos Eugenio, co-driven by Ceci Paolo.
Mvurya called on fans to support the rally and showcase Kenya’s warm hospitality.
“I urge all Kenyans to come out in large numbers to support this historic event, celebrate our heritage in motorsport and showcase our warm hospitality to the world,” he said.
