Evgeny Kireev in action/ HANDOUTKenya’s rally maestro Baldev Chager seeks to keep his momentum in overdrive when the East Africa Safari Classic Rally roars back into action today after a well-earned rest day on Tuesday.
Chager and his navigator, Gareth Dawe, currently lead the leaderboard in their Porsche 911 after four brutal days across Kenya’s unforgiving terrain, clocking a cumulative time of 9:32:16.0 and holding firmly onto the top spot.
Britain’s Harry Hunt is giving chase in second place, but trails the home hero by a massive 22 minutes and 12.9 seconds with a time of 9:54:28.9. Cyprus’ Evgeny Kireev sits third overall, stopping the clock at 10:01:38.7.
It was cruel heartbreak for Kenyan sensation Piers Daykin, who had dazzled over the opening three days, topping the standings, but suffered mechanical disaster just 14km into SS11 on Monday, ending his control at the summit.
Chager admitted the conditions on Day 4 in Amboseli were very punishing. “It was an interesting day, and stage one was the most exciting; stage two was even trickier,” Chager reflected.
He added that Daykin’s unfortunate setback opened the door for him to seize command as the Classic heads into its decisive second half.
“About 14km up the hill in stage two, we saw Piers had pulled up. I feel gutted for him; he had really put up a spirited fight,” Chager said.
“That’s the reason we are actually leading by 20 minutes or so. He was the guy we were fighting. It’s unfortunate for him.”
Hunt, now Chager’s closest rival, conceded that the rest day arrived just in time after a gruelling stretch of rallying.
The Briton and his co-driver Steve McPhee, piloting their Porsche 911, also battled mechanical gremlins in Monday’s final stage.
“The last stage was hard, about 120km, and we were doing well up to around 80km where we suffered a front brake suspension failure,” Hunt revealed.
“We also got a misfire in the engine, but after all that, we got to the end, and that’s what matters.”
With Chager already opening a commanding gap, Hunt is realistic about his chances of reeling him in. “I don’t think we can catch. We’ll keep pushing and see where we end up after four more days.”
The Classic Rally now heads into the final four days of action before coming to a grand end on Saturday in Diani at the Diani Leisure Beach and Golf Resort.
This year’s Classic Rally route will traverse six counties: Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Taita Taveta, Makueni and Kajiado.
Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku expressed delight as the rally caravan powered into the world-famous Amboseli terrain.
“I welcome the Safari Classic Rally team to Kenya and Kajiado. Our international and local drivers are all welcome,” he said.
“We are proud that this rally is bringing joy and happiness to our community. We are happy you enjoy our terrain, wildlife and people with the wonderful landscapes in Amboseli.”
