Baldev Charger’s win at the just concluded East Africa Safari Classic Rally in Watamu sets the ground for two key racing events in the country. The local national championship continues in March in Nakuru before the much-anticipated WRC Safari Rally takes centre stage in June.
In the just-concluded East African Safari Classic Rally, four-time Kenya National Rally Champion, Baldev Chager, raced home in a record time of 16hrs 40min and 54sec to emerge the overall champion of the 10th edition of the event.
Driving his Porsche 911, Baldev took lead in five of nine legs of the competition that saw drivers cover over 5000 kilometres across 14 counties in the eight-day competition.
Chager managed to fend off tough opposition in from elite drivers led by former two-time Classic winner Ian Duncan, Former champion Kris Rosenberg, Ken Block, Swede Patrick Sandel among others.
Swede Patrick Sandell and Ian Duncan managed a close second and third respectively for a podium finish. Patrick Sandell clocked 16hrs47min54sec5mm, while Ian Duncan clocked 16hrs52min49min3mm
Speaking on his victory Chager said,
“We are extremely excited to be crowned the Classic champions. It was a challenging circuit with several ups and downs but we’re glad to have ended on a high note. I applaud my whole team who have been excellent throughout the competition and we hope to repeat this feat in the upcoming editions.”
This year’s event was officially sponsored by Whitecap Lager from Kenya Breweries Limited. Speaking on the occasion, KBL Senior Brand Manager, Whitecap Abel Ratemo, congratulated all the winners and organizers whilst emphasizing the brand’s position on safety and responsible drinking during the motorsport events.
“We congratulate all participants for a job well done and organizers for a successful Classic event. At Kenya Breweries, we are extremely proud of the whole experience and the fact that it has been enjoyed in a safe environment. We, as always, emphasized responsible fun and responsible drinking and were happy to see that this has been the case throughout the Classic.”