Mini Classic 2022

The whispers started in March, they grew louder in June, and by the time we reached August everywhere you went the only thing on everyone’s lips was the East African Safari Mini Classic Rally. Competitors, volunteers, news and radio stations, far and wide, no one could stop talking about it – and it became the most anticipated event of 2022, especially as was it was being run in Western Kenya!

Months became weeks which became  days, and finally it was D-Day. On 9^th December 2023, we had the pleasure of H.E Hon David Kones – Deputy Governor of Nakuru flagging off the start of the rally at Sarova Woodlands Hotel and Spa in Nakuru. It was wonderful to see the excitement from the people of Nakuru,  they were delighted to have the rally pass through their county again.

Miki Biasion

The East African Safari Classic Rally invited the double World Rally Champion and Safari Rally Winner Miki Biasion as a VIP Guest for the Mini Classic Rally.
“I’m very happy to be here, wonderful opportunity to be back in Kenya and the best place to drive rally cars. This country holds the best memories as I won my two favorite, most loved event – the Safari Rally in 1988/89.” – Miki Biasion

Day 1

The first stage started from Nakuru with Remon Vos/Stephane Prevot leading the stage, Piers Daykin/Tariq Malik right behind them, together with Raaji Bharij/Ravi Soni, and Boldy Chager/Gareth Dawe. Day 1 of the rally ended in Eldoret, and it was Raaji /Ravi who took the lead in their Ford Escort MK1.

Day 2

It was a great honor having Hon Ababu Namwamba – CS Sports, Culture and Heritage visit the rally for the flag off. He recollected stories of how he would watch the safari rally back in the day, and seeing the glorious classic cars in action reminded him of those days.

On this day the rally started in Eka Hotel at Rupa Mall, in our City
of Champions, where Piers/Tariq took the the first stage win of the
day. They later fell back to secound due to some technical
difficulties in the car. Previous champion Boldy/Gareth
took the lead for stage 2 of the day but after some spectacular
driving, day 2 ended with Remon/Stephane emerging at the top

Day 3
Final day of the rally, the last shot for the drivers and navigators to put pedal to the metal! Piers/Tariq in their powerful Datsun 280Z were determined to fight for the win, getting ahead of Boldy/Gareth by just over a minute during the first stage of the day.
In an exciting turn of events Geoff Bell/Tim Challen won the last stage of the day in a Datsun 280Z, closely behind them were Boldy/Gareth and Ian Duncan/Anthony Nielsen.
Due to deviating from the route, both Boldy/Gareth and Piers/Tariq were given a penalty by the stewards which dropped them down from the top of the leader board.
This resulted in Remon Vos/Stephane Prevot winning the rally in their Porsche 911, second place went to Raaji Bharij/Ravi Soni and in third place came in Geoff Bell/Tim Challen. Congratulations!

Jim Heather Hayes

The East African Safari Classic Rally and the Kenya Motorsport fraternity have lost a great friend, mentor and an exceptional technical consultant.
Jim Heather Hayes contribution to motorsport and EASCR cannot measured.
His legacy lives on with all the lives he has touched.

Rest in Peace Jim.

It is with great sadness we learnt of the passing of Ken Block on 2^nd January 2023.
It was an honor and joy to have Ken compete in the 10^th edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally – he won a record number of stages during his first appearance in Kenya, and really wowed us all with his zooming Hoonigan Tuthill Porsche 911.  He was an amazing driver, his passion for driving and cars radiated through all car enthusiasts.
Following the decision by WRC to withdraw car number 43 from its listing this season, the EASCR follows suite in paying tribute to Ken Block by omitting number 43 in all its future events.
Rest in Peace Ken.

On behalf of the Chairman, Board of Directors and the East African Safari Classic Rally Team, we extend our sincere condolences to family and friends of Jim and Ken.

‘Jim Heather Hayes is a great loss to the motorsport fraternity, he was a close friend and one went to whenever stuck with anything technical. We miss you Jim!’

‘When I met Ken Block during the Classic Safari I must say I wasn’t sure how he would feel about the conditions; at the end of the first day he said to me ‘This is the best rally I have ever done and you know what, in a day I have learnt that exceptional conditions requires one to adjust quickly. Ken was such a humble and real human being; a true superstar.
Our condolences and sympathy to his family.”
-Joey Ghose  

EASCR 2023

Hope you had a great festive season, and the year has started exceptionally well.
.December 2023. To date we have received over 50 confirmed entries, and we are looking forward to you entering too!

As we mark the Platinum Jubilee of the Safari Rally in Kenya, it’s also all systems go
for the 11^th Edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally!
Trust us, this one will be Special!! We are excited for this year’s Classic Rally which is to be held from the 9^thDecember to 18^th December 2023.

The EASCR team have started on the preparations.  The team is set to put together an exciting and challenging event for everyone to enjoy, and reminisce on the rally days of yesteryear.

Stay updated on the Sportity app
Password: EACLASSIC23

https://eastafricansafarirally.com