East African Safari Classic Rally roars to life with intensive scrutineering

The 11th edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally is set to kick off its exhilarating journey with a prologue event at Vipingo Ridge this Saturday.

As anticipation builds, scrutineering activities have reached a crescendo, with over 60 classic cars undergoing meticulous examination to ensure they meet technical regulations and safety standards.

Assistant Chief Scrutineer, Robert Gow, emphasized the importance of this process, not just for fair competition but as a crucial element ensuring the safety of all participants.

"The scrutineering process involves checking about three pages of regulations to ensure the cars conform to safety standards. We scrutinize everything from fire extinguishers, battery cut-offs, and engine specifications to seats, seat belts, helmets, HANS devices, roll cage padding, towing points, and even the correct placement of stickers on the cars. Paramount in our minds is safety for all those participating," Gow explained.

The scrutineering phase is more than a formality; it is a detailed inspection of every facet, preparing these classic cars for the challenging conditions that await them in the East African landscape.

The goal is not just to ensure compliance but to guarantee that each vehicle is well-equipped to handle the demanding terrains that make the Safari Classic Rally legendary.

After the intense scrutiny, the official start of the Classic Rally awaits on Saturday, December 9th, featuring a 12-kilometer prologue stage that promises high-octane action.

Following the prologue, the drivers will embark on a three-day adventure, heading Northward to Nairobi.

The midpoint in Nairobi will provide a well-deserved rest day, allowing crews to recharge and make necessary repairs to their classic machines.

Post-Nairobi, crews face a grueling six-hour service to ensure their vehicles are in prime condition for the demanding terrains ahead.

As they descend back South to the scenic Diamonds Leisure Lodge and Golf Resort, the rally promises a riveting spectacle for both participants and spectators.

This year's edition holds special significance as it marks the celebration of 70 years since the inception of the original East African Safari Rally, now known simply as the Safari Rally.

The event's rich history, dating back to the 1950s, has made it an iconic motorsport spectacle, attracting top-tier participants from around the world. 

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