Kenyans top the list of navigators

By Feverpitch Reporter

Local rally navigators form the largest part of drivers taking part in the Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally.

Knowledge of the local terrain, characteristics of the host country and ability to guide drivers, with comprehension of notes, are vital in picking co-drivers for such a mammoth event.

The rally will cover 4,100km over remote and beautiful landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania from November 22 to December 1, starting in Mombasa. Former Kenya National Rally Championship navigator, Piers Daykins, tops the list of 18 "pace-note" readers.

Jeff Amin’s Datsun 260Z near Mt Kilmanjaro in a past rally. Amin will be navigated by Kashif Shaikh in the Classic Safari Rally. Photo: Romana

Belgium, Great Britain and France are each represented by six, Australia and USA (two) and Sweden, South Africa, Czechoslovakia and Italy with one each.

Kenya also tops the list of drivers with 12 competitors including favourite to win, Ian Duncan. Great Britain has nine, France (five), South Africa (three), Czechoslovakia (two), Belgium (two), and one each from USA, Italy, RP, DK, Denmark, Tanzania and Australia

Datsun cars lead the manufacturers with 18 followed by Ford and Porsche each with nine, Mercedes, Mitsubishi and Renault (two each), Peugeot and Citroen with one apiece.

Scenic view

Part of the route includes a spectacular stage near Arusha that has a scenic view of cars climbing to the top of the Bulu Hills from 0m to 900m in a space of 17km. It is one of the most spectacular stages of the event with over 100 bends along the short stretch of a section in the mountainous area.

The event, considered to be tough and with an extra financial burden, has attracted a larger number of family members.

Jonathan Savage with two sons Quentin and Russell and Aslam Khan with two nephews Imran and Farhaaz form the bigger part of the related members.