Smith puts title on line as 2017 Safari Rally flags off

The 2017 Safari Rally flagged off on Friday morning at the Kenyatta International Conference Center (KICC) where Don Smith will be seeking to defend his continental title.

Other registered drivers who will be gunning to topple Smith include Vallery Bukera of Rwanda, Hassan Alwi of Uganda and the Zambian Singh brothers Muna and Jassy.

The day one showdown will make its stop at Buffalo mall in Naivasha for the first service,  and the Man and machines will then head to the finishing point which is at Nakuru Africa stadium.

The Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF) will be crossing their fingers with hope that this year’s edition of the competition rouses the International Automobile Federation who are considering reinstating it to the World Rally Championship circuit in 2019.

Representatives from FIA will be observing the race with the world motor sport governing body having already approved supplementary regulations set by the KMSF.

The Kenya National Rally Championship defending champion Tapio Laukannen will lead a host of other regional drivers at the annual carnival set to be held over three days.

Laukannen will be joined by Kenyans Manvir Baryan; who has enlisted the services of British navigator Drew Sturrock in a Skoda Fabia, Don Smith and Ben Kaugi who will be driving a Subaru N14 model, and Onkai Rai and Gareth Dawe who will be behind the wheels of a Skoda Fabia.

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