After 18 years, the East African Safari Classic is under new ownership and management. 

 Minti Motorsports UK took over shareholding of the EASCR and subsequently appointed Kenyan rally navigator Lynn Tundo as managing director while Chantal Young and Tash Tundo join as client and marketing managers respectively. 

 “Lynn comes from a family where rallying is in the DNA. She was the first lady chair of a motor club in Kenya and has organised numerous very successful rallies that embody the spirit of the Classic,” said Jeet Ghose, MD of Minti Motorsports.

Lynn believes the new team has a deep understanding of classic rallies as management, entrants, officials and ultimately fans.  

“The intention is to bring back the classic, embracing old-fashioned rallying values of camaraderie and fairness. Our immediate goals are attracting as many entrants as possible.

We have lowered the entry fee with the intention of making this rally as accessible as possible to all, and particularly encourage young teams to enter,” Lynn said after her appointment. 

 Plans for the 2021 rally include new routes across gruelling terrain in northern Kenya, taking the rally to Baringo, Laikipia, and Nakuru.

The ‘world’s greatest Classic Rally’ will begin in Naivasha on November 1 and end in Mombasa on November 9, covering almost 5,000km of the most challenging roads in Kenya.

 “This will be a rally run for the drivers, rally fans and sponsors. The rally will be tough and as challenging as only African landscapes can be, but at the same time fun, transparent and honest,” clerk of the course for the third Classic running, Raju Chagger said.