Baldev Chager aiming for win at Classic Rally

Four-time Kenya National Rally Championships winner Baldev Singh Chager is going for nothing of victory in the tenth edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally (EASCR) slated for February 10-18.

The event will cover an expansive 5000km journey stretching from the lake shores of Naivasha town to the coastlines of Watamu in Kilifi County.

“We are ready as can be, the car is much ready, our team is all set up for the event,” Chager told Standard Sports.

The triple Safari Rally winner will compete in a Porshe 911 under team Kabras Racing.

His pace-notes will be called out by long term partner Ravi Soni.

“Soni and I are have great chemistry, we are reading on the same page. We understand each other well. Communication, better understanding and respect between a driver and a navigator is vital for a car to perform well in a rally,” Chager explained.

For Chager to attain his lofty dream of winning the trophy, he will have to beat a star-studded field in his top seeded batch that comprises of defending champion Kris Rosenberger of Austria, reigning African Rally champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo and former world youth champion Patrik Sandell.

Others in the group are Hall of Fame giant and double EASCR champion Ian Duncan, YouTube rally guru Ken Block, Eugenio Amos, Lee Rose, Geoff Bell and Raaji Bharij.

The 46-year-old father of three strongly believes the vintage car he has spend time to mould in his garage will be up to the task come the competition.

“I think the vehicle is now perfect the way it is. There’s nothing like driving that beauty! It’s a fantastic machine,” Chager said.

The 2019 WRC Candidate Rally champion is also preparing mentally and physically for the coming contest.

“This is along event, I have to prepare well. So, I’m just trying to eat healthy and working out when I can,” he said.

Chager is optimistic the rally will live up to its billing due to the new management in office.

The new team has set up 20 new stages out of the 24 which is expected to give the competitors a great challenge at the same time offer them some adrenaline thrill.

Charger has taken part in four EASCR events with his best finish being third in 2017.