Baldev Chager out to reclaim Safari Rally title

The two-time Safari Rally champion Baldev Singh Chager has backed himself to reclaim the championship title after it revved off at the Kasarani Stadium on Friday.

The Flying Singh has been in exceptional form in the Kenya National Rally Championship, currently topping the domestic rankings and believes his form will propel him to a first Safari Rally title in four years.

“Our team has been working round the clock to get us to optimum levels. The Safari Rally is not something new for me since we’ve done it for many many years and each year has been a lesson for me.

“We’ve done two events in the Kenyan championship, we finished second the first and won the second so we actually lead the standings at the moment on points.

“Obviously the most points we can get out of the Safari will be very beneficial towards our quest for the national championship,” Chager, driving the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X said.

Zambian duo Jassy Sjngh and Leroy Gomes leads the foreign legion with drivers currently headed to Sopa Lodge for overnight perc- Ferme ahead of tomorrow’s action in Soysambu.

The Government has pumped in Sh450m into the competition as it seeks restoration of the Safari Rally back to the World Rally Championship status.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who flagged off the event, challenged Kenyan drivers to fight for podium places and affirmed the government’s commitment in helping the event back to the WRC calendar.

Organizers also emphasized random doping tests will be conducted on drivers and their navigators in accordance with International Federation of Automobile regulations.

Twenty-one drivers including defending champion Carl ‘Flash’Tundo, Onkar Rai, Karan Patel, Jasmeet Chana, and Nikhil Sachania all in Mitsubishi Evo10 will battle for the top honours.

The Safari Rally will cover a total of 796.86 kilometers, 262.93km of which will be competitive.