Chager going for a hat-trick in Nakuru

Kenyans Baldev Chager (right) and his co-driver Drew Sturrock celebrate after winning the East African Safari Rally Classic at Watamu in Kilifi County on February 18, 2022.[East African Classic Safari Rally]

The third edition of the East African Mini Classic Rally revs off at the Sarova Woodlands Hotel in Nakuru today morning.

Looking to defend his position is the double champion Baldev 'Boldy' Chager who will battle the gruelling 1000 kms race in a Porshe 911.

Chager, who is fresh from lifting the second edition of the Machakos Rallycross championships, is very optimistic that his new navigator Gareth Dawe will help him overcome other 31 local and international contestants who are salivating for his title he is eager to convert into a hat-trick of wins.

"We used the recently held Guru Nanak Rally in Voi specifically to test the car, we can confidently say our 'baby' is ready to roll and we are hopeful to do a very good job in this rally," the multiple Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) winner told Standard Sports.

"We have also studied the entry list and we can tell there will be some quick opponents to battle but we are not worried since we have already done our homework well," added Charger who is racing under the Kabras Sugar umbrella.

Since 2018, 'Boldy' has been undefeated in the mini competition whose aim is to pave the way for the main East African Safari Classic Rally (EASCR) which is one of the toughest motorsport races in the world.

Five times KNRC champion Carl 'Flash' Tundo has also put his life on the line in this Mini Classic where he is making his debut.

Just like Charger, Tundo too used Rallycross to step up training for the Mini Classic where he will forage for glory in a Triumph TR7.

All women crew of Carol Gatimu and Tuta Mionki are also making their debut in a Datsun 1600 SSS. [Ochieng Oyugi]