The event co-sponsored by Car Track, Identisys, ALS, iWay Africa, Keringet and Pelican has a total rally distance of 530km and a competitive mileage of 200km.
As the clock ticks towards "The True African Experience" , a number of big-names including African Rally Championship (ARC) contenders and top local drivers have already signed up to take on the remote gravel rally in Athi River and Kajiado from June 17-19.
They include current FIA African champion Jamie Whyte from Zimbabwe, Rwandese Giancarlo Davite, Ugandan Jas Mangat, the crowd-pleasing 'Moto Moto' Datsun Debe pick up of Kenyan Peter Horsey and his brother Alex-who will become the first ever competitor to drive a Mitsubishi Evo X in the Safari. They join an elite group of Kenyans speedsters who have the strength and mental stamina to tackle the three-day event with a route course synonymous to the now-defunct World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.
Current KQ East African Safari Classic winner Ian Duncan (Evo9), who won the WRC Safari series edition in 1994 leads the way alongside three-time former Kenya Champion Azar Anwar and defending KNRC Champion Alastair Cavenagh. Alex who put up a fine drive in the recent KCB Rally in Eldoret has dared the 'big boys' for a podium dash in the event.
Alex recorded a career best third overall on the debut of his Mitsubishi Evo X, the first time one of these cars has rallied on Kenyan soil.
"We've proved how competitive the car is with two fastest stage times but there is still a lot more to come from me in terms of how I drive it," said Alex who has vowed to fight for a podium finish this time round.
Event's director Dali Kalsi said the secretariat at Kenya Motor Sports Foundation (KMSF) is excited with the entries as well as the progress made so far. "Things are moving at a remarkable pace," said Kalsi who doubles up as the clerk of the course.
