EA Safari Classic Rally organisers release programme

A Classic Porsche 911 goes through a river crossing during 2017 EA Safari Classic Rally. [Courtesy]

An exciting programme is in store as the organising team gets into top gear for the 2019 Safaricom East African Safari Classic Rally.

The team headed by Raju Chaggar has already visited the vital areas of the route on both sides of Kenya and Tanzania with less than a fortnight to the start of the world famous rally.

Mombasa’s Sarova Hotel will be the venue for the first part of the official programme of the rally that kicks off with scrutineering on Monday November 25. Vivo Energy Kenya through its Shell V-Power and Aviation Gas (Avgas) brands will be the official fuel sponsor of the 2019 East Africa Classic Rally. Other co-sponsors for the event are M-PESA (Safaricom PLC), MFI, Bidco Africa, Omologato, DT Dobie.

This will give an opportunity to the rally enthusiasts to come and see the cars going through pre-event documentation and safety checks.

Chaggar said:  “All competitors are aware this rally is unique, and that it runs on open roads. However with all the resources available this year, we will make a concerted effort to ensure the competitors get a clean passage and focus on driving to their best abilities.”

 “On Tuesday November 26, we will have a Shake Down at the Mombasa Cement track. Crew will be working on car set ups, and also give some of the first time competitors a chance to get a feeling of what to expect in regard to terrain and climate conditions. Ideally, it will be a day out for spectators to come see the cars,” said Chaggar, the Clerk of the Course for the major event.

Chagger added: “On November 27 at 11am, we will have a ceremonial start from Sarova Whitesands Hotel and proceed to the first stage at the Mombasa Cement track to star the prologue stage, which will help organisers determine the seeded start order for the event. Crews will tackle an 18km stage thereafter.”

Safety for this event has been increased tremendously. The team has a total of 15 marshal teams, which will be strategically positioned within each stage.

The safety team will be assisted by 60 Boda Boda riders, who will be positioned within the stages run in Kenya, particularly at junctions and villages along the entire 24 stages.