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East African Safari 2007!!! - U heard it here 1st!!
- Thread starter hatari
- Start date
KQ Safari, recreation of the 1977 East African Safari
Nairobi, September 14--The stage is set and it is all systems go for the 59 contestants in the 3rd KQ East African Safari Rally in Kenya and Tanzania. From its humble beginning in 2003, the Safari, now fighting for its deserved place in the Kenya's sporting annuals after the Tusker Safari Sevens and Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, is a true reflection of Kenya's special places in the world motor racing.
Enthusiasm and response at home and abroad has been overwhelming to a point it now rivals the once world championship Safari Rally. With 36 drivers being local, the safari's future has been assured. That 59 drivers two of them former world champions and shapers of the sport in the 80s through 90s_confirms the thirst and great memories rallying tests in Kenya and by extension Tanzania evoke the world over.
To headline this year's Safari between November 25 to December 3 is three times Safari champion Bjorn Waldergard, winner of the 1977 East Classic in a Ford Escort RS1800.
In a repeat of history, Waldergard, a former world champion and a true legend among peers, is looking forward towards the Safari with the same temperament like in 1977 when it was thoroughly wet. But he went on to conquer the marathon, consolidating his lead through the thoroughly wet Kerio/Cherangani Hills sections when he gradually ran away from his distant cousin Rauno Aaltonen, one of the original Flying Finns who was driving a Datsun 160J.
Weather conditions are threatening to recreate the race of 1977, according to event's director Surinder Thatthi. During recce, Thatthi went calling the managing director of the Fluorspar Mine, down the scenic Kerio
Valley but a nightmare for drivers irrespective of the weather condition.
He was informed that the weather pattern indicate another El Nino is in the making, based on the 1997 figures.
With the cars on either front or rear wheel traction,
the Safari could be a real test for man and machine if the current rains persist. However, organisers have complementary notes and
routes in a worst case scenario.
Waldergard will drive a Ford Escort MKII followed by Stig Blomqvist in a similar machine. The evergreen Swede, navigated by Anna Goni from Venezuela, was second last year behind Rob Collinge in his quest for
Safari victory which has eluded him since his days with VW Golf and Ford.
Kenya's greatest hope is Ian Duncan, the 1994 Safari Champion in a 4.5 litre Ford Mustang which he has fine-tuned though entered by Historic Motorsport.
In 2005, Duncan who had overcome some teething problems including electrics in the Ford Escort RS1600 in Kenya and parts of Tanzania was getting fired up after setting fastest stage in the (in) famous
Usambara Mountains when he suffered a nasty roll and bowed out.
Given his driving approach in the national championship events, he is bound to make good his challenge. In a battle between the engineering excellence of the West and simplicity but proven knowledge of the Orients, the Safari will water down to another bruising showcase between the Datsun and the Fords
Just like the old days.
Through Collinge, Datsun has won the last two editions with Ford looking for their first. This, according to aficionado could turn out to be the year for Ford
and the foreign drivers to break the East African jinx. However, the Datsun brigade will not let it go.
One of the leading foreigners, John Lloyd has been out in Kenya testing it on typical roads in a Datsun 260Z. Lloyd has participated in both the previous editions of the Classic Safari and is likely to be a strong contender for outright victory this year. On his first Kenya Airways Safari Classic in 2003, he rolled his Ford Escort on the very last day while lying a creditable fifth overall. On the last Classic Safari in 2005, he finished third overall in a Porsche 911.
Preparations are certainly hotting up for the Kenya Airways Safari Classic with many competitors taking the opportunity to test or try their cars in Kenya and Tanzania. After his run in the car Lloyd commented "I am very happy with the set up of the Datsun 204Z and I hope to challenge for top honours this year"
Nairobi, September 14--The stage is set and it is all systems go for the 59 contestants in the 3rd KQ East African Safari Rally in Kenya and Tanzania. From its humble beginning in 2003, the Safari, now fighting for its deserved place in the Kenya's sporting annuals after the Tusker Safari Sevens and Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, is a true reflection of Kenya's special places in the world motor racing.
Enthusiasm and response at home and abroad has been overwhelming to a point it now rivals the once world championship Safari Rally. With 36 drivers being local, the safari's future has been assured. That 59 drivers two of them former world champions and shapers of the sport in the 80s through 90s_confirms the thirst and great memories rallying tests in Kenya and by extension Tanzania evoke the world over.
To headline this year's Safari between November 25 to December 3 is three times Safari champion Bjorn Waldergard, winner of the 1977 East Classic in a Ford Escort RS1800.
In a repeat of history, Waldergard, a former world champion and a true legend among peers, is looking forward towards the Safari with the same temperament like in 1977 when it was thoroughly wet. But he went on to conquer the marathon, consolidating his lead through the thoroughly wet Kerio/Cherangani Hills sections when he gradually ran away from his distant cousin Rauno Aaltonen, one of the original Flying Finns who was driving a Datsun 160J.
Weather conditions are threatening to recreate the race of 1977, according to event's director Surinder Thatthi. During recce, Thatthi went calling the managing director of the Fluorspar Mine, down the scenic Kerio
Valley but a nightmare for drivers irrespective of the weather condition.
He was informed that the weather pattern indicate another El Nino is in the making, based on the 1997 figures.
With the cars on either front or rear wheel traction,
the Safari could be a real test for man and machine if the current rains persist. However, organisers have complementary notes and
routes in a worst case scenario.
Waldergard will drive a Ford Escort MKII followed by Stig Blomqvist in a similar machine. The evergreen Swede, navigated by Anna Goni from Venezuela, was second last year behind Rob Collinge in his quest for
Safari victory which has eluded him since his days with VW Golf and Ford.
Kenya's greatest hope is Ian Duncan, the 1994 Safari Champion in a 4.5 litre Ford Mustang which he has fine-tuned though entered by Historic Motorsport.
In 2005, Duncan who had overcome some teething problems including electrics in the Ford Escort RS1600 in Kenya and parts of Tanzania was getting fired up after setting fastest stage in the (in) famous
Usambara Mountains when he suffered a nasty roll and bowed out.
Given his driving approach in the national championship events, he is bound to make good his challenge. In a battle between the engineering excellence of the West and simplicity but proven knowledge of the Orients, the Safari will water down to another bruising showcase between the Datsun and the Fords
Just like the old days.
Through Collinge, Datsun has won the last two editions with Ford looking for their first. This, according to aficionado could turn out to be the year for Ford
and the foreign drivers to break the East African jinx. However, the Datsun brigade will not let it go.
One of the leading foreigners, John Lloyd has been out in Kenya testing it on typical roads in a Datsun 260Z. Lloyd has participated in both the previous editions of the Classic Safari and is likely to be a strong contender for outright victory this year. On his first Kenya Airways Safari Classic in 2003, he rolled his Ford Escort on the very last day while lying a creditable fifth overall. On the last Classic Safari in 2005, he finished third overall in a Porsche 911.
Preparations are certainly hotting up for the Kenya Airways Safari Classic with many competitors taking the opportunity to test or try their cars in Kenya and Tanzania. After his run in the car Lloyd commented "I am very happy with the set up of the Datsun 204Z and I hope to challenge for top honours this year"
Fords Testing Again
Waldegard jets in for tests ahead of Classic Rally
Published on September 19, 2007, 12:00 am
By Correspondent
Four-time Safari Rally winner and 1979 World Rally champion, Bjorn Waldegard is optimistic of winning the East Africa Classic Rally in November.
The driver has rebuilt his Ford Escort Mark 1 in readiness for the competition.
The Historic Motorsports Limited driver who is in the country for a final performance test-programme — to fine tune the settings of his classic car said he is at pains to break the jinx of overseas drivers in the event.
No overseas competitor has won the two editions of the East African Classic Safari Rally since its inception in 2003, but the 63-year-old exponent of yesteryear made his intentions known on a surprise visit to Kenya on Monday.
Waldegard finished seventh overall in the 2005 edition when he teamed up with David Cavenagh in a Porsche 911 Carerra.
Quipping that age is nothing but a number, Waldegard could hardly conceal his love for ‘the world’s toughest rally.’
"I will be 64 years when the Classic starts in November but I find this thing quite addictive and just don’t know when I will be out of it. It is just like smoking.
The more you do it, the more it gets into your blood. But it’s the desire of every driver to win the Safari at any age because of the sentimental value that comes with it," said Waldegard.
Waldegard was in the country in March for an initial test and said he is back to oversee finer details of the car’s settings.
Event Director Surinder Thatthi said the Swede was due to test around Ngong’ and Olepolos areas on Tuesday since testing on the actual route is prohibited.
Waldegard is looking forward to winning this year’s event in the same make he used in winning the Safari for the first time in 1977. - I THINK HE WILL
"It’s in a Ford that I became famous at the Safari and it will be great to give it another go.
The initial test in March gave a good turn of speed. We tested the suspensions settings and engine performance and we were very satisfied. I believe that (David) Sutton has done a great job and we are optimistic of victory this time round," said Waldegard when he visited the Kenya Airways Safari Classic secretariat at Nairobi’s Riverside. Overseas drivers have seen the coveted title currently held by former Kenya champion Rob Collinge slip from their grasp on both occasions.
"After the test, I will be in a position to know what to rectify in the car but the car is basically ready for the challenge."
"We are checking everything in the car and anticipate to now have a final fine-tuning of the car," Waldegard said.
Waldegard jets in for tests ahead of Classic Rally
Published on September 19, 2007, 12:00 am
By Correspondent
Four-time Safari Rally winner and 1979 World Rally champion, Bjorn Waldegard is optimistic of winning the East Africa Classic Rally in November.
The driver has rebuilt his Ford Escort Mark 1 in readiness for the competition.
The Historic Motorsports Limited driver who is in the country for a final performance test-programme — to fine tune the settings of his classic car said he is at pains to break the jinx of overseas drivers in the event.
No overseas competitor has won the two editions of the East African Classic Safari Rally since its inception in 2003, but the 63-year-old exponent of yesteryear made his intentions known on a surprise visit to Kenya on Monday.
Waldegard finished seventh overall in the 2005 edition when he teamed up with David Cavenagh in a Porsche 911 Carerra.
Quipping that age is nothing but a number, Waldegard could hardly conceal his love for ‘the world’s toughest rally.’
"I will be 64 years when the Classic starts in November but I find this thing quite addictive and just don’t know when I will be out of it. It is just like smoking.
The more you do it, the more it gets into your blood. But it’s the desire of every driver to win the Safari at any age because of the sentimental value that comes with it," said Waldegard.
Waldegard was in the country in March for an initial test and said he is back to oversee finer details of the car’s settings.
Event Director Surinder Thatthi said the Swede was due to test around Ngong’ and Olepolos areas on Tuesday since testing on the actual route is prohibited.
Waldegard is looking forward to winning this year’s event in the same make he used in winning the Safari for the first time in 1977. - I THINK HE WILL
"It’s in a Ford that I became famous at the Safari and it will be great to give it another go.
The initial test in March gave a good turn of speed. We tested the suspensions settings and engine performance and we were very satisfied. I believe that (David) Sutton has done a great job and we are optimistic of victory this time round," said Waldegard when he visited the Kenya Airways Safari Classic secretariat at Nairobi’s Riverside. Overseas drivers have seen the coveted title currently held by former Kenya champion Rob Collinge slip from their grasp on both occasions.
"After the test, I will be in a position to know what to rectify in the car but the car is basically ready for the challenge."
"We are checking everything in the car and anticipate to now have a final fine-tuning of the car," Waldegard said.
More News From Kenya!
Even This one is not a Datsun!
RALLYING: Duncan prepares car for Classic rally
Publication Date: 19.9.07
[SIZE=-1]This year’s Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally is set attract extra attention with the participation of one of the most powerful machines to ever take part in Kenyan motor sports.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Ian Duncan, known for his ability to produce some of the most competitive and spectacular rally machines on the local scene, has taken his venture even deeper by preparing a Ford Mustang for the KQ-sponsored later this year.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The car, which is yet to hit the road, will be powered by a 5,600cc engine able to produce 400bhp at the highest peak of the throttle. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The Goodyear-sponsored Mustang will be driven by the rear-wheels with a four-speed gear-box. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Duncan will miss the use of turbo and four-wheel-drive facilities due to the restrictions imposed on cars entering Classic event. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]His ability to modify simple pick-ups into winning rally cars has not only boosted the image of the sport but attracted larger number of fans wherever he has travelled. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The former multiple national champion started his rallying career in a Datsun Debe and Toyota Panel Van before venturing into more sophisticated machines like the Opel Manta and Toyota Celicas later in his career. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Duncan said his team was working round the clock to make sure they had ample time to test the new machine in readiness for the KQ event in November.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]“The body shell has been strengthened and ready for the rest of the parts to be assembled in it. However, our main concern will be the suspensions, though the rest of the engine and transmission parts have been sorted out,” said Duncan.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]The former Safari Rally winner and one of the favourites for an outright victory in the East African Safari Classic Rally will be supported by Good Year tyres. Duncan will be the top seeded Kenyan driver at number five.[/SIZE]
Anyone wondering what a Datsun Debe is?!!!!
Even This one is not a Datsun!
RALLYING: Duncan prepares car for Classic rally
Publication Date: 19.9.07
[SIZE=-1]This year’s Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally is set attract extra attention with the participation of one of the most powerful machines to ever take part in Kenyan motor sports.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Ian Duncan, known for his ability to produce some of the most competitive and spectacular rally machines on the local scene, has taken his venture even deeper by preparing a Ford Mustang for the KQ-sponsored later this year.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The car, which is yet to hit the road, will be powered by a 5,600cc engine able to produce 400bhp at the highest peak of the throttle. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The Goodyear-sponsored Mustang will be driven by the rear-wheels with a four-speed gear-box. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Duncan will miss the use of turbo and four-wheel-drive facilities due to the restrictions imposed on cars entering Classic event. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]His ability to modify simple pick-ups into winning rally cars has not only boosted the image of the sport but attracted larger number of fans wherever he has travelled. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The former multiple national champion started his rallying career in a Datsun Debe and Toyota Panel Van before venturing into more sophisticated machines like the Opel Manta and Toyota Celicas later in his career. [/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Duncan said his team was working round the clock to make sure they had ample time to test the new machine in readiness for the KQ event in November.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]“The body shell has been strengthened and ready for the rest of the parts to be assembled in it. However, our main concern will be the suspensions, though the rest of the engine and transmission parts have been sorted out,” said Duncan.[/SIZE][SIZE=-1][/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]The former Safari Rally winner and one of the favourites for an outright victory in the East African Safari Classic Rally will be supported by Good Year tyres. Duncan will be the top seeded Kenyan driver at number five.[/SIZE]
Anyone wondering what a Datsun Debe is?!!!!
Another Ford!
Jumping for joy.
Björn Waldegård has two reasons to be happy.
The first is that he drew the top seeded place on the Kenya Airways Safari Classic which means that he will lead off the field from Mombasa in November with his Escort Mk I bearing number one and thus run free of the dust kicked up by other competitors. As a four-times winner of the old East African Safari Rally and with three victories in the Ivory Coast Rally to his name, no one appreciates better the advantage this gives. "If you are driving in someone else's dust, it can be worse than fog." he said "One minute it is almost clear and you run up close to the other car, then he hits the soft stuff and you see nothing."
The second reason for jubilation is that Björn has just tried his David Sutton prepared Escort in Kenya and finds it "unbelievably good". And this from the man who won the East African Safari in 1977 with a Mk II Escort in which two years later he won the very first World Rally Championship for Drivers. "The suspension is so good, you hardly notice the rough bits and when you land after flying it is better than some airline pilots manage."
The seriousness with which so many of the top teams are taking their preparation for this year's Kenya Airways Safari Classic is very reminiscent of the atmosphere that used to surround the original Safari Rally. Many of the overseas rally cars are already in Kenya while the rest are on the high seas. There was a great deal of activity in Europe last week with cars and parts - and even service vehicles - being packed into containers and lifted onto ships. With just over eight weeks to go before the Kenya Airways Safari Classic gets under way from Mombasa, all the fifty-nine crews are starting to get what used to be called "Safari fever" - for which there is no known cure except to drive over the start ramp in Moi Avenue on Saturday, November
24th.
- Yes I know it is all Fords ...but they are out for the win this year ...... anyone taking bets?
Jumping for joy.
Björn Waldegård has two reasons to be happy.
The first is that he drew the top seeded place on the Kenya Airways Safari Classic which means that he will lead off the field from Mombasa in November with his Escort Mk I bearing number one and thus run free of the dust kicked up by other competitors. As a four-times winner of the old East African Safari Rally and with three victories in the Ivory Coast Rally to his name, no one appreciates better the advantage this gives. "If you are driving in someone else's dust, it can be worse than fog." he said "One minute it is almost clear and you run up close to the other car, then he hits the soft stuff and you see nothing."
The second reason for jubilation is that Björn has just tried his David Sutton prepared Escort in Kenya and finds it "unbelievably good". And this from the man who won the East African Safari in 1977 with a Mk II Escort in which two years later he won the very first World Rally Championship for Drivers. "The suspension is so good, you hardly notice the rough bits and when you land after flying it is better than some airline pilots manage."
The seriousness with which so many of the top teams are taking their preparation for this year's Kenya Airways Safari Classic is very reminiscent of the atmosphere that used to surround the original Safari Rally. Many of the overseas rally cars are already in Kenya while the rest are on the high seas. There was a great deal of activity in Europe last week with cars and parts - and even service vehicles - being packed into containers and lifted onto ships. With just over eight weeks to go before the Kenya Airways Safari Classic gets under way from Mombasa, all the fifty-nine crews are starting to get what used to be called "Safari fever" - for which there is no known cure except to drive over the start ramp in Moi Avenue on Saturday, November
24th.
- Yes I know it is all Fords ...but they are out for the win this year ...... anyone taking bets?
Drews returns to Safari Classic Rally
Published on October 3, 2007, 12:00 am
By a Correspondent
Safari Rally legend navigator Lofty Drews will return to this year’s Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally.
Drews, who grew up in Kenya before migrating to Queensland, Australia, will navigate Jayant Shah in a Datsun 260Z. The 60-year-old Drews first won the East African Safari Rally in 1973 with Shekhar Mehta in a Datsun 160J before graduating to become one of the greatest names in the history of the Safari Rally.
His reputation as a navigator has no equal in this time and era. Drews has always had fond memories of Kenya, especially when the weather played adverse roles in the downfall of many of the drivers.
Should similar conditions befall the 2007 KQ-sponsored Classic Safari Rally, then Drews says he is well prepared for the rigours he encountered with Rauno Aaltonen in the 1977 in a Datsun 160J when part of Kenya suffered a deluge.
That time, he helped to push the original "Flying Finn" Rauno Aaltonen to the second position, a result they were to repeat two more times with Datsun and Opel rally cars. His last outing with the Finn was in the 1987 Safari in an Opel Kadett when they finished ninth overall.
Shah and Drews drove a Datsun 180B in the 2005 Classic Rally after failing to clear a Nissan 260Z from the port in time for the marathon event.
The 260Z will now be used in this year’s KQ rally after months of preparations. It was successfully tested in the recent Arusha Rally.
Drews and Shah, who resides in Arusha, Tanzania, had been a winning combination over the years before the former moved to Australia in 1987, but his return in 2005 was just a great home coming.
Drews honed his rallying career in the Kenyan highlands and was a regular Safari finisher with several world-renowned drivers.
- Finally a Datsun story to share with you!!
Published on October 3, 2007, 12:00 am
By a Correspondent
Safari Rally legend navigator Lofty Drews will return to this year’s Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally.
Drews, who grew up in Kenya before migrating to Queensland, Australia, will navigate Jayant Shah in a Datsun 260Z. The 60-year-old Drews first won the East African Safari Rally in 1973 with Shekhar Mehta in a Datsun 160J before graduating to become one of the greatest names in the history of the Safari Rally.
His reputation as a navigator has no equal in this time and era. Drews has always had fond memories of Kenya, especially when the weather played adverse roles in the downfall of many of the drivers.
Should similar conditions befall the 2007 KQ-sponsored Classic Safari Rally, then Drews says he is well prepared for the rigours he encountered with Rauno Aaltonen in the 1977 in a Datsun 160J when part of Kenya suffered a deluge.
That time, he helped to push the original "Flying Finn" Rauno Aaltonen to the second position, a result they were to repeat two more times with Datsun and Opel rally cars. His last outing with the Finn was in the 1987 Safari in an Opel Kadett when they finished ninth overall.
Shah and Drews drove a Datsun 180B in the 2005 Classic Rally after failing to clear a Nissan 260Z from the port in time for the marathon event.
The 260Z will now be used in this year’s KQ rally after months of preparations. It was successfully tested in the recent Arusha Rally.
Drews and Shah, who resides in Arusha, Tanzania, had been a winning combination over the years before the former moved to Australia in 1987, but his return in 2005 was just a great home coming.
Drews honed his rallying career in the Kenyan highlands and was a regular Safari finisher with several world-renowned drivers.
- Finally a Datsun story to share with you!!
Rains .....
MOTOR RACING: Weather worry for Classic Safari drivers
Publication Date: 10/5/2007
[SIZE=-1]Weather conditions in parts of Rift Valley remain a major concern for organisers of the Kenya Airways East African Classic Safari Rally, which will be staged in Kenya and Tanzania from November 25 to December 2.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jonathan Savage navigated hi son Quentin in a Dutson 260z during a practice round at Ngong. Savage will lead the Kenyan charge when he starts in 21st position during this year's Kenya Airways Classic Safari Rally.
Photo/ CorrespondentAlthough alternative routes have been worked out, persistent rains continue to pound the area.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1]The Classic Safari, which has attracted 59 drivers, will visit some of the historic sections in Kerio Valley and Baringo, where the leaderboard is expected to be fluid.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Event director Surinder Thatthi has said the weather patterns will be unpredictable, but insisted the Classic Safari would be exciting as the local drivers warm-up for battle with foreigners.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Ian Duncan, Kenya’s greatest hope in the event which is marking its third edition, is still working on the 4.2 litre Ford Mustang machine while four-time Safari Rally champion, Bjorn Waldergaard (Sweden), recently completed testing in Ngong Hills and is reported to have enjoyed every inch of the action in a Ford Escort. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Waldergaard will lead the rest of the field during the flag-off at the elephant tusks along Moi Avenue, Mombasa. The race will end at Whitesands Hotel on December 2.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The Swede, a former world champion who drove a Porsche in the last edition in 2005, has been tipped to perform well 20 years after his first Safari victory in a Ford Escort RS1800.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]“As a four-times winner of the old East African Safari Rally and with three victories to his credit in the Ivory Coast Rally, no one appreciates better the advantage he has,” said Thatthi. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Waldergaard likened the current conditions to those of two decades ago when he led Rauno Aaltonen from start to finish in one of the wettest rallies.[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Aaltonen’s navigator then, Lofty Drews, also returns to co-drive Jayant Shah in a Datsun 260Z. The duo has also tested their Datsun in some rallies in Tanzania where he has expressed satisfaction with its reliability and performance.[/SIZE]
MOTOR RACING: Weather worry for Classic Safari drivers
Publication Date: 10/5/2007
[SIZE=-1]Weather conditions in parts of Rift Valley remain a major concern for organisers of the Kenya Airways East African Classic Safari Rally, which will be staged in Kenya and Tanzania from November 25 to December 2.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]
Photo/ CorrespondentAlthough alternative routes have been worked out, persistent rains continue to pound the area.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[SIZE=-1]The Classic Safari, which has attracted 59 drivers, will visit some of the historic sections in Kerio Valley and Baringo, where the leaderboard is expected to be fluid.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Event director Surinder Thatthi has said the weather patterns will be unpredictable, but insisted the Classic Safari would be exciting as the local drivers warm-up for battle with foreigners.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Ian Duncan, Kenya’s greatest hope in the event which is marking its third edition, is still working on the 4.2 litre Ford Mustang machine while four-time Safari Rally champion, Bjorn Waldergaard (Sweden), recently completed testing in Ngong Hills and is reported to have enjoyed every inch of the action in a Ford Escort. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Waldergaard will lead the rest of the field during the flag-off at the elephant tusks along Moi Avenue, Mombasa. The race will end at Whitesands Hotel on December 2.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]The Swede, a former world champion who drove a Porsche in the last edition in 2005, has been tipped to perform well 20 years after his first Safari victory in a Ford Escort RS1800.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]“As a four-times winner of the old East African Safari Rally and with three victories to his credit in the Ivory Coast Rally, no one appreciates better the advantage he has,” said Thatthi. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Waldergaard likened the current conditions to those of two decades ago when he led Rauno Aaltonen from start to finish in one of the wettest rallies.[/SIZE] [SIZE=-1]Aaltonen’s navigator then, Lofty Drews, also returns to co-drive Jayant Shah in a Datsun 260Z. The duo has also tested their Datsun in some rallies in Tanzania where he has expressed satisfaction with its reliability and performance.[/SIZE]
datsfun
Club Member
If you want to see the spec of the top cars that are taking part in this rally, buy this months edition of CLASSIC F*RD. There is a 7 page article on the Mk 1 Scrote entered by Historic Motorspor and being driven by Bjorn Waldegard.
It costs > £100K
The engine puts out 252bhp
Weights about 800KG
Has Focus WRC suspension legs
The list is endless
Anyone get the feeling that F*RD really want to get the crwon from the Datsuns and TBH, I think they have a great chance
It costs > £100K
The engine puts out 252bhp
Weights about 800KG
Has Focus WRC suspension legs
The list is endless
Anyone get the feeling that F*RD really want to get the crwon from the Datsuns and TBH, I think they have a great chance