Joey Ghose and Harpal Sudle in a previous Classic Rally/ HANDOUTThe East African Safari Classic Rally owner, Joey Ghose, says his decision to compete in this year's showdown is driven by a desire to make future editions of the iconic endurance event even better.
The East African Safari Classic Rally revs off in Diani on Friday and runs through to December 15. Ghose will be back behind the wheel for the first time since 2019, partnering up with navigator Gordon Noble in a Porsche 911, car number 26.
He says his return to competitive action is a deliberate move to experience the rally from the competitor’s seat and understand what needs to be fine-tuned.
"We bought this rally in the year 2000 because we felt it was dying. There were only about 16 entries, and as a family we thought we must buy it," Ghose said.
"I decided I must do the rally this year so I can see the evolution of technologies in the way rallies are run and what the competitors like, dislike and face.
"This is so that for the next event, we can incorporate that into the event," he added.
Ghose further stressed that the Classic Rally is a bucket-list event for every motoring enthusiast. "If you haven't done the Safari Classic, then you haven't lived. It is for every petrol head," he noted.
This year’s edition has attracted over 60 drivers from across the globe, all chasing bragging rights in the 12th staging of the legendary challenge.
During the 11th edition last year, Baldev Chager and his navigator Ravi Chager clinched victory in their Porsche 911 with an accumulative time of 5:28:55.2.
Riyaz Ismail, Deputy Clerk of the Course (COC), noted that the Classic stands apart from other rallies by maintaining its old-school unpredictability.
"For the East African Classic, there is no recce allowed, and there is no familiarisation. The route is kept at the utmost secret," he said.
"We will publish details on our digital notice board where everyone will be informed about the route and the proceedings."
He further outlined the rally programme, noting that competitors will also enjoy a rest day.
"On December 5th, it will be a day for Diani action, the following day we do Diani to Voi, and on December 7th, the Rally will be centred in Voi."
"On December 8th, we shall go from Voi to Amboseli, and after four days of gruelling stages, there will be a rest day."
"After the rest day, we complete the remaining four legs back in reverse but in different sections, and the rally comes to an end on December 13 in Diani," he noted.
The Classic Rally kicks off on Friday with Leg 1 at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Diani, with Leg 2 the following day heading to Voi's Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa.
On December 7, the Rally will begin and end at the same venue, while on December 8th, the race heads to Amboseli at the Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
December 9 is reserved as a rest day, with action resuming the following day at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
On December 11th, the race heads back in reverse to Voi with the Taita Hills Safari Resort and Spa hosting Legs 11 and 12, before the curtain comes down on December 13 at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort.
