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Day 1 –
Mombasa to
Nairobi
VK Vodka Kick Rally driver Steve
Perez completed the first day of the nine day, 4500km, EASCR without too many
problems to end the leg in 12th place overall, despite managing to
upset the local police force...
After the ceremonial start from
the Sarova Whitesands Hotel in
Mombasa on the shores of the
Indian Ocean, Perez headed North and then West via
Makindu and Emali to arrive at the halt in
Nairobi this evening.
Driving the
historic-specification Datsun 260Z, a steady run on SS1 saw him take it easy
before a bent steering arm hampered his progress on SS2 and SS3 and then on SS4,
an indiscretion with a Police ‘Stop’ sign saw him incur the wrath of the Kenyan
authorities but he continued.
“We took it a little too easy
perhaps in the opening stage, just to see what it was like and then our couple
of minor offs weren’t ideal but at least we’ve got day one under our belts and
are looking forward to the rest of the rally” said Perez.
Making his co driving debut
alongside Perez on the event is Mike Stuart, whose African experience is proving
vital. Having driven on scores of British rallies including the RAC Rally during
the 1980s, Mike has been on Safari twelve times for Mitsubishi as mechanic and
chase car driver. He also made gravel notes for Richard Burns on the Safari in
1998 meaning he is fully familiar with Safari roads and conditions.
Like Mike, Steve has lots of
experience in British rallying but is an African novice so is relying on Mike
for advice on tactics and pace. "The most important thing this year is to cross
the finish line" said Mike.
Day two sees the crew leave
Nairobi tomorrow and head out via
Lake
Baringo towards Nakuru before another
overnight halt at the Naivasha Sopa Lodge.
For further details:
www.eastafricansafarirally.com
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