Battle heads to Nakuru, Laikipia and Nyandarua as Classic Rally enters day 2

Driver Nish Lakhani navigated by Teeku Patel in action at Ol Kalou, Nyandarua. February 11, 2022. [Harun Wathari, Standard]

The battle for the coveted East African Safari Classic Rally speedster crown today shook Nakuru County’s undulating landscape as drivers revved off to 451km of competitive racing.

The 45 drivers are currently testing their endurance in a battle royale at Ol Kalou, Nyandarua, passing through the Rhino Gate, onwards to the heat-strokes of Laikipia to Moguni and are expected to tunnel from the scenic Il Polei to the high folding hills of Loldaiga late Friday.

The 10th edition showpiece started in Naivasha and will end in Watamu on February 18, 2022. [Courtesy]

Yesterday, Hoonigan Racing Division drift legend Ken Block clocked 2:35:52.7 to take an overnight lead in a race where Frank Tundo, the father to reigning African Rally Champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, rolled over at Eburru in the outskirts of Naivasha.

Steve and Russel Parkinson at Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County. February 11, 2022. [Harun Wathari, Standard]

Celebrated 2021 Classic Rally champion Baldev Chager came third after timing 2:38:52.0 to emerge best among local drivers who are taking part in the gruelling nine-day rally that will cover up to 5,000km across 13 counties in Kenya.

Navigator Alex Gelsomino checking his Porsche 911 at Ol Kalou checkpoint. February 11, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The start list for the second leg of the rally was as follows: