Scrutineering In Top Gear As East African Safari Classic Rally Prologue Approaches
- Scrutineering is not only an essential aspect of ensuring fair competition but also contributes significantly to the overall safety of the event.
- This year’s edition promises to be particularly exciting as it will be celebrating 70 years of the original East African Safari Rally, the Safari Rally.
VIPINGO, Kilifi— The anticipation was palpable as the 11th edition of East African Safari Classic Rally gears up for its prologue event set for this Saturday at Vipingo Ridge, with scrutineering activities reaching fever pitch Thursday.
More than 60 Classic cars are scheduled for the mandatory scrutineering process which started with more than 30 of them already going through meticulous examination, verifying compliance with technical regulations and safety standards. Prior to the Wednesday start, the crews had an opportunity to have their Classic cars pre-scrutineered at various locations.
Speaking at Vipingo Ridge, Assistant Chief scrutineer Robert Gow, noted the process is not only an essential aspect of ensuring fair competition but also contributes significantly to the overall safety of the event.
“There are a number of things that we look at, all consists of about 3 pages where the car has to conform to regulations to make sure that the cars and crew’s participation is safe. We also make sure that all the components are correct for that specific car and not heavily modified. The main idea is safety for all those who are participating.”
Scrutineer’s will be closely inspecting every detail, from engine specifications to safety equipment, ensuring that each vehicle is fit for the challenging conditions that await them.
“So what do we look at? We look at fire extinguishers, battery cut offs which is crucial for example when a car roles there is a switch to be pulled to switch off the car. We also examine the seats, the seat belts, helmets, HNAS devices, roll cage padding, all your towing points and even the right placements of the stickers of the cars. But all important and paramount is to ensure safety”, said Gow.
Scrutineering will be followed by the official start of the Classic Rally on Saturday 9th December where a 12 Kilometer prologue stage will serve as a thrilling precursor to the main event, offering a glimpse into the high-octane action and rigorous scrutiny that all crews and their vehicles will undergo.
All the drivers and navigators will be put to the test not only by the scrutineering process but also by the diverse and demanding terrains of the East African landscape.
With a stellar lineup of more than 60+ teams and drivers ready to showcase their prowess in classic rally cars, the prologue event will set the stage for an intense and riveting rally.
After Saturday, the drivers will embark on a three-day adventure, heading Northward to Nairobi. The midway point of this exhilarating journey will be marked by a well-deserved rest day in Nairobi, providing crews with an opportunity to soak in the atmosphere and recharge for the challenges that lie ahead and also make much need repairs of the Classic machines.
Following the Nairobi pitstop, crews will undergo a grueling six-hour service, ensuring that their vehicles are in prime condition to tackle the demanding terrains that await them.
The rally will then make its descent, heading back down South to the scenic Diamonds Leisure Lodge and Golf Resort.
This year’s edition promises to be particularly exciting as it will be celebrating 70 years of the original East African Safari Rally, the Safari Rally.
