Preparations for KQ Classic Safari Rally gather pace

Preparations for the 2015 East African KQ Classic Safari Rally gather momentum after organisers confirmed that 49 of the 60 slots available have already been taken.

With a new route covering some 4,000 kilometres in Kenya and Tanzania, the world’s greatest rally is proving ever more attractive to drivers.

Tough and demanding conditions are part of the East African Safari but the new route has been conceived to be more friendly. There is a reduction in long liaison sections and more competitive sections of which the longest is now 184 kilometres, more than half the total competitive mileage of a World Championship Rally.

Perhaps the most amazing – and appealing – aspect of the Safari Classic is that while the cars and competitors spend their days dealing with the demands and hazards of East African roads amid dust, dirt, mud and floods, each night is spent in a luxurious hotel or game lodge far removed from the ardours of the day.

CARS BUILT BEFORE 1978
“We had two meetings with the competitors last year, one in Kenya and the other in London. Our intention was to find out what was good about our rally and what could be improved. It will still be tough, maintain the tradition of the Safari Rally so that winning will still be a heroic achievement and worthy of the rally champions. Having consecutive nights at most of the chosen hotels reduces the liaison mileage for both competitors and service crews,” says Rally Director, Raju Kishinani.

“We think this is a format that will appeal widely – as is shown by the healthy state of our entry list with another year to go before the start.”

Another rally director, J.S. Vohra, said: “I promised everyone at the meetings earlier this year that we would have a new route for 2015 with new roads and improved driving conditions. We are definitely achieving those objectives and are on target to deliver a great rally.”
The bi-annual rally is for cars built before the end of 1978.