Stig Blomqvist takes Classic Rally lead
Special Correspondent
Stig Blomqvist, in a Porsche, looks set to repeat his major victory in the Safaricom East African Safari Classic Rally after taking over the lead in this year’s edition with just two more days remaining.
The Swedish has replaced of Kris Rosenberger of Austria who has led the competition for almost three out of the last seven days driving a Porsche 911.
Onkar Rai is the best placed Kenyan driver in third place also driving a Porsche 911. Aslam Khan is placed sixth in a similar car while Tejvir Rai is in the 10th place driving another Porsche 911.
Baldev Chager (12th) and Ian Duncan (14th) are the rest of the local crews struggling to keep up with the leaders.
Day Eight action will pass through Sagal/Kirumbi (39.61kms), Estate/Kileva (58.30kms) and Maungu/MC (75.52kms) before cars get back to Whitesands Hotel for a night rest halt.
Meanwhile, the Vivo Energy sponsored team’s crews put in a spirited performance but nothing changed on the Leader Board.
After legendary Arusha industrialist Jayant Shah, navigated by Arshard Khan, was compelled to exit the event with a fracture, the only surviving member of the three-man team was still lying sixth after yesterday’s competition.
True leadership
Mark Senteu, Vivo Energy Marketing Manager saluted the three drivers, saying: “Heavy rains and flash floods in Ponane, Monduli and Samora in Arusha, Tanzania made the event a lot more challenging.
The cancellation of the third day of 2019 East African Safari Classic Rally, was a decision that took courage and true leadership, and one that aligns to our own cooperate pillars. We wish the participants well in the remaining second half.”
“Motorsport is a sport that defined a generation right from the Coronation rally in the 50s to the East African Classic Rally today, it shaped how the world saw East Africa and Kenya.
The world got to see what an amazing passionate people we are and what a beautiful land we live in. This rally, is like no other, will continue being a gateway for this connection,” he added.
