Irishman John Coyne Dominates Prologue At East African Safari Classic Rally Kick-Off

KILIFI, Kenya – Irish driver John Coyne commenced his journey in the East African Safari Classic Rally with an impressive performance, securing the best time during the prologue at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County on Saturday.

Behind the wheel of his Tuthill-prepared Porsche 911, and navigated by compatriot Josh McErlean, Coyne outpaced 2019 champion Kris Rosenberger by 8 seconds in the captivating and scenic 15.5-kilometer prologue — a crucial shakedown for Sunday’s Day 1 leg.

In a Porsche-dominated leaderboard, Germany’s Emille Breittmayer claimed the third position, trailing the leader by 12 seconds. The event marked a notable 1-2-3 lineup for Porsche at the top.

Despite facing numerous challenges today, the defending champion, Baldev Chager, navigated by Gareth Dawe in their Porsche 911, drove through the scenic stage, concluding 30 seconds behind the leader. Chager is determined to replicate the achievement of his compatriot, Rob Collinge, who secured back-to-back wins in 2003 and 2005.

“We had several gazelles in our way hoping in and out the side of the roads for a good 500 meters and of course, animals here have the right of way, so you have to respect that. But it’s okay, and then being first on the road, we were the first ones to find the slippery spots. We were lucky to make it up that hill where everyone got stuck.” Said Chager.

Coyne, acknowledging the challenges ahead, expressed satisfaction with the promising start, saying, “We have a significant task ahead, especially competing against drivers with local knowledge. I’m pleased with our start, although I know every stage won’t be as favorable.”

Rosenberger, who cautiously navigated the tricky and narrow course, shared his experience: “It was challenging, with tight spaces, trees on the sides, and potential obstacles. Despite the difficulty, we managed a good time, and securing our position for the next leg makes us happy.”

Saturday morning saw the ceremonial flag-off of over 60 drivers and navigators presided over by Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, marking the largest-ever entry for the East African Safari Classic Rally.

This prestigious event has attracted participants from more than 20 countries worldwide, showcasing a truly global representation.

The prologue stage served as a thrilling precursor to the main event, offering a glimpse into the high-octane action.

The prologue came after a diligent and mandatory scrutineering process at the venue from Wednesday this week that involved meticulous examination and verification of the cars to ensure they were compliant with the technical and safety regulations standards.

SEEDING

Later in the day after the Prologue, the top 10 drivers from the Qualifying Stage selected their starting positions for leg one. Defending champion Baldev Chager will be first on the road tomorrow, followed by Kris Rosenberger and Remon Vos respectively.

The drivers tomorrow begin Leg 1 from Sokoke to Samburu, an iconic stage used in many local rallies and the classic. A very fast and twisty gravel stage, with some big jumps and spectacular corners to test competitors’ skills.

SCHEDULE/NIGHT STOPS

Night Stops: December 9 Vipingo Ridge

Day 1 – December 10 Mombasa to Voi – rest at Voi Wildlife Lodge

• CS 1 – SOKOKE TO SAMBURU 120KM – ETA 1st CAR 07.13
• CS 2 MACKINNON TO MWATATE – 89KM – ETA 1ST CAR 09.31
• CS 3 MARIWENYI TO NGUTUNI 31KM – ETA 1st CAR 11.34

Day 2 – December 11 Voi to Amboseli -Rest at Amboseli Sopa Lodge

• CS 4 – ESTATE TO TAITA SANCTUARY- 79KM – ETA 1^st CAR 07.13
• CS 5 – ROMBO TO OLOITOKITOK – 65KM – ETA 1st CAR 10.49
• CS 6 – ELENKAY TO ISINETI – 74KM – ETA 1st CAR 14.02

Day 3 – December 12 Amboseli to Naivasha – Rets at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

• CS 7 IREMITO TO SELENKAY- 77KM – ETA 1st CAR 07.13
• CS 8 – OLOOTEPES TO ISINYA – 64KM – ETA 1st CAR 09.30
• CS 9 – PARANE TO KAMUKURU – 75KM – ETA 1st CAR 11.26

Day 4 – December 13 Naivasha to Nairobi – Rest at Tamarind Tree Hotel

• CS 10 – KONGONI TO NGARE ENGARE – 35KM – ETA 1^st CAR 06.53
• CS 11 – NAJILE TO OLTEPESI- 58KM – ETA 1st CAR 08.45
• CS 12 – KAMUKURO TO HUNTERS LOOK OUT – 93KM – ETA 1st CAR 10.24

5- December 14 Rest Day

Day 6 – December 15 Nairobi to Amboseli- Rest at Amboseli Sopa Lodge

• CS 13 – HUNTERS LOOK OUT TO PARANE – 71KM- ETA 1^st CAR 07.13
• CS 14 – BULLS EYE TO BISIL – 32.51KM – ETA 1st CAR 08.51
• CS 15 – ILL-BISSIL TO MESHENANI GATE – 76.45KM- ETA 1st CAR 09.58

Day 7 – December 16 Amboseli – Rest at Amboseli Sopa Lodge

• CS 16 – MESHENANI GATE 2 TO SELENGAI – 58KM – ETA 1st CAR 07.53
• CS 17 – NASERIAN TO MASHURU – 63KM – ETA 1st CAR 09.24
• CS 18 – ELENKAY 2 TO ISINETI 2 – 73KM – ETA 1st CAR 11.07

Day 8 – December 17 Amboseli to Voi – Rest at Voi Wildlife Lodge

• CS 19 – OLOITOKITOK 2 TO ROMBO 2 – 76KM – ETA 1^st CAR 06.43
• CS 20 – NJUKINI TO ZIWANI – 84KM – ETA 1st CAR 08.26
• CS 21 – TEITA FARM TO SISAL END – 55KM – ETA 1st CAR 11.19

Day 9 – December 18 Voi to Okundi – Rest at Diamonds Leisure Lodge and Golf Resort

• CS 22 – TEITA TO MACKINNON 2 – 86KM – ETA 1st CAR 07.23
• CS 23 – VIGURUNGANI TO LUNGA LUNGA – 3KM – ETA 1st CAR 09.49
• CS 24 – MRIMA TO UKUNDA – 46KM – ETA 1st CAR 11.35