Page 21 - EASCR22
P. 21
T h e D r iv ers cont inued
The Drivers continued
Possibly the bigger of them all. The nine day East
African Classic Safari Rally.
It is not for want of trying. He led solidly in 2019
before mechanical gremlins dropped him down the
field. He still set the second most number of fastest
stage times, but that is small consolation for a man
used to tasting the winners champagne.
Interestingly this will only be “Baldy's” third start at
this world famous event – his best result came on his
debut in 2017, when he finished third overall! He has,
however, proved that Classic Rallying suits him, having
won every other Kenyan Classic Rally since then!
and it is with this approach in mind that Quentin is
teaming up with PAC to run one of their Ford Escort
th
Mk1 rally cars on the 10 edition. But the first
challenge will be remembering how to drive a rally
car… “rusty” is the key word that Quentin used Baldev will once again drive his Kabras supported
consistently. Maybe a slow and cautious start could Porsche 911 on this, the tenth edition, of the nine day
reap rewards with the new style of end of day marathon, and admits that the Mini Classic in
servicing?! Definitely one to watch! November was the perfect preparation. Winning 7 of
the 9 stages on the 3 day event, Baldev took a 7
Baldev Chaggar minute victory over the legend Ian Duncan, a perfect
mental victory ahead of February’s rematch.
A quick clean pace
But he admits that he needs to switch off from
everything and just focus on driving his own rally. Of
course he wants to win – everyone does – but the
internal pressure is any drivers worst enemy. And with
the new regulations Baldev is aware that it won't
necessarily be the fastest driver who wins, but the one
who can find a quick but clean pace and stick to it all
Baldev Chaggar Ravi Soni event long. If he can keep bringing the car in at the
end of every day with minimal work for his team then
he should be there or there-abouts as the rally heads
Multiple Kenyan Rally Champion, 3 KNRC Safari Rally to the coast for the final few days.
wins, Top Fry Classic winner, double Mini Safari Classic
winner - Baldev Chaggar has won pretty much Baldev is excited about the new direction that the rally
everything there is to win in Kenya. Except for one. is going, both from an organizational and a route
21
