Remon Vos ready to defend Mini Classic Rally title

Netherlands Remon Vos and his co-driver Stephane Prevot of Belgium tackle a dusty part during the 2022 Mini Classic Rally in Amboseli. [East African Classic Rally]

The 2024 East African Mini Classic Rally slated for August 15-19 in Eldoret has already attracted 31 entries with six contestants from overseas.

Route planners Sinder Sudle and Joash Kibitok explained the competition will traverse the rough terrains in Eldoret and its environs including the Cherengani Hills, Bugar Forest and many other roads used in yester years.

“The planning is going on so well, we look forward to another great event in the ‘City of Champions’,” Sudle stated.

The grueling contest has already started to attract the corporate sector with Victoria Commercial Bank being among those who have boarded the plane quite early as official sponsors.

“The World’s Greatest Classic Rally, the East African Safari Classic (EASCR), is pleased to announce the Official Sponsor of the upcoming Mini Classic Rally,” read part of the statement from the federation.

“Yogesh K Pattni, CEO of Victoria Commercial Bank PLC, confirmed the bank’s continued support for the East African Safari Classic Rally and the Mini Classic Rally to be held in August 2024, headquartered in Eldoret.

“Pattni and the Board of Directors expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, underscoring their excitement for participating in such a prestigious event.”

The partnership offers mutual benefits across various aspects, including strengthening relationships, networking opportunities, brand visibility and ensuring service excellence – everything the bank aligns with.

Remon Vos of Netherlands is expected to defend the Mini Classic title he won in Eldoret in December 2022.

The Dutchman was declared champion of the three-day event after defending champion Baldev Chager, who had won the race, and second finisher Piers Daykin were disqualified for breaching the rules of the game.

Vos, who was competing in Kenya for the second time, had run a very tactical race behind the disqualified Kenyan duo.

Raaji Bharij also benefited from the duo’s misery after he was elevated to second spot as Geoff Bell bagged third place.

Last year, the Mini Classic was not held as the federation focused energy on the main event which was a 4000km contest that snaked from Kilifi, Voi, Amboseli, Nairobi, Naivasha and back before the finish point in Diani.