The 2023 East African Safari Classic Rally – ‘Italian Giraffe’ Amos wins Classic Rally

Sixty-three drivers from across the world battled in the 11th edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally (EASCR) that came to an end at Diamond Leisure Lodge in Diani, Kenya on December 18, the highest number of entries ever after 15 more were turned away by the Federation due to logistics.  Only 50 of these managed to reach the finish line after a gruelling, nine-day, 4000km journey that traversed 11 Kenyan counties including Kilifi, Voi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Nairobi and Kwale.  Erick Ochieng reports on one of the toughest Safari Classics yet….

The mud this year was particularly challenging

The contest had a new champion in Eugenio Amos of Italy aka the Italian Giraffe.  The Tuthill Porsche 911 driver, navigated by compatriot Paolo Ceci, clocked 14:42:35.2 to win with a 10-minute-45-second lead.  Defending champion Baldev ‘Flying Singh’ Chager put up a spirited and determined fight in a breathtaking show, especially on the last two days, but the Kabras Sugar Racing ace was unable to dislodge the stubborn Amos from the top of the leaderboard and settled for second place in a time of 14:53:20.2, while 2019 winner Kris Rosenberger of Austria, navigated by his German wife Nicola Bleicher, completed the podium to finish in 15:11:40.2.

Chager said this year’s competition was really different as it had unique challenges in every kilometre and every bend in the road. “I can tell you it is the most difficult Rally I have done even being local”

“It’s been a hell of a ride, even the last day was tricky, but we took it easy, it was always raining so we had to put second and third gear all the time, but we somehow managed to survive” remarked Amos.

Despite losing a wheel Richard Aczel and Allan Harryman finished in 13th place just behind Geoff Bell

To read Erick Ochieng’s full report, see our January/February issue.