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T h e D r iv ers cont inued
The Drivers continued

The damaged left foot has had major surgery done to it
Mombasa based Kailesh Chauhan should have been a
and whilst he admits that this is not the ideal lead up to
top Kenyan contender for the Classic Safari. A brand new
the rally Kailesh refuses to let this minor problem halt his
Viking Ford Escort with a top spec BDA engine, Safari determination.
Rally proven Proflex shocks, a strong and successful test
on the Equator Rally and everything set for a strong test With Kailesh hailing from the coast of Kenya and co-
on the Mini Classic in November. And then he dropped driver Tariq Maliq living not far from the start of this
an engine on his left foot just 10 days before the rally! iconic event, the pair have a good understanding of the
Doh!
terrain and conditions to expect from this nine day
marathon event. And they have always gone well on the
Classics – in 2016 they infamously rolled across the flying
finish of the last stage of the rally enroute to finishing
fourth overall!

Kailesh is teaming up with Steve Parkinson in a two car
Viking Motorsport Africa Team and given that his car was
prepared by none other than 2003 World Rally
Strong determination Champion Phil Mills, the car has pedigree. Maybe a
Kailesh, one of the most passionate rally drivers you'll controlled pace caused by the injured foot could prove
ever meet, is not letting the fact that he's still on to be a hidden benefit? A finish is the target but might
crutches stop him from competing in this, his third go at we see this team challenging for top Ford honours?
th
the rally. (His best result to date was 14 overall in 2015). Anything is possible on this unique rally!

Raaji Bharij and Tauseef Khan
Raaji says: We are privileged and extremely happy to
be rallying. The Escort is such a fun car to drive and
I'm really looking forward to this, the tenth edition of
such an amazing rally! Our performance on the Mini
Classic in November was to try and catch the eye of a
title sponsor and we are super excited to have
concluded a deal with Kerichio Gold to support our
2022 Classic Safari campaign.

A battle worth watching!
I n 2015 Raaji Bharij raised eyes brows when he Raaji is especially relishing the chance to compare
times with multiple Kenyan Rally Champion Lee Rose,
powered his 2 litre Ford Escort to a mightily
impressive sixth overall on the Classic Safari Rally. a driver whom Raaji has an enormous amount of
Proving that this was no fluke he then went and won respect for. The pair will be competing against each
the inaugural Top Fry Rift Classic Rally a year later. other for class honours and this battle could easily
drag these Escorts into the top five overall! This will be
a battle worth watching!
Stepping up to a Porsche for further attempts at both
Classic rallies were not as successful and in 2021 Raaji
dusted off the Escort and entered the Mini Classic.
Fourth overall and a class win showed that both Bharij
and the Escort were still quick and reliable. With
engine upgrades and a new, exciting sponsor on board
Raaji is back for the Classic…. And admits that not
being in a top line car has removed some of the
pressure!

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