Broken propshafts and creepy crawlies

Vodka Kick driver Steve Perez might have lost over an hour and a half during the course of today’s three stages but the Chesterfield based rally driver was just relieved to complete the first day of this year’s East African Classic Safari Rally after mechanical dramas and run-ins with the local wildlife.

Samira survives Day 1

The Rally Queens survived where many didn’t in one of the toughest days on the world’s toughest motor rally! Day 1 of the 2011 East African Classic Safari saw the Kenya Airways Ford Escort Mk1 of Samira Khan and Anita Irwin survive wildlife, river crossings and thick glutinous mud to end the day a very respectable 38th overall out of 46 starters.

Premier Rally

Re-vamped into a single venue format following the cancellation of the 2010 event, the 2011 Premier Rally may well be the future model for Clubman forest rallying. It certainly provided plenty of spectacle and interest and saw a close battle for overall honours. After six stages Robert Swann & Darren Garrod (Impreza) took victory by 11 seconds, after setting fastest time on the opening pair and final pair of stages. Proving consistency is key Ian Joel & Graeme Wood (Escort Cosworth) were 2nd fastest on all but 1 stage to finsih in 2nd place overall with the podium being completed by the similar car of Richard Hill and Pat Cooper, who had set fastest time on the middle pair of stages.