Blomqvist first off ramp as KQ Classic Rally zooms off

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Veteran and seven-time Swedish rally champion Stiq Blomqvist zooms off first as the Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally 2017 starts today in Mombasa.

The 36 drivers and their crews finished their preparations yesterday to embark on a 4,000km rallying across Kenya and Tanzania.

Blomqvist from Sweden, in a Porsche 911, will be the first one off the ramp ahead of 36 cars followed by multiple former Kenya champion Carl Tundo, who is back for the world toughest historic rally in a Top Fry-sponsored Triumph TR7.

“I am looking forward to a gruelling competition as the young drivers will be out to outsmart the old guards,” said Blomqvist yesterday..

“We expect a lot of rains along the way, but I hope to bring back my car safely and in first position,” added the Swedish driver.

Tundo has won the African Rally Championships (ARC) Safari four times, but has yet to lay his hands on the coveted Safari Classic title.

Tundo started his Classic Safari career two years ago, navigating for his best friend Alastair Cavenagh, who is missing in action this time round.

Ian Duncan has won the Safari twice and will be attempting the unprecedented third win behind the wheel of a Ford Capri.

Duncan, the most successful Kenya National Rally Championship driver, is seeded fourth behind multiple former Kenya champion Baldev Chager who will be making his debut on the driving seat after navigating former Kenya National Division Two Champion Onkar Rai on the last two editions.