More than 800 crew expected in Nairobi for EA Classic Rally

At least 800 crew members are expected in the country for the 19th edition of the East Africa Classic Safari Rally slated for February 10 to 18.

The rally that will see the cars compete across 11 counties, is expected to attract 50 drivers.

The competition that will cover at least 5,000 sq. kilometers is one of the toughest rallies in the world with organizers working around the clock to put together a successful showpiece.

The event that has attracted at least six top sponsors, yesterday added to its portfolio Victoria Commercial Bank who handed over a cheque of Sh 10 million to the organizers at the Victoria Towers offices in Upper Hill with the banking institution becoming the official financial partner.

Speaking during the event,the East Africa Classic Safari Rally Manager Sinder Sudle thanked the Bank for the support which he said was important to ensure a great event.

“We welcome Victoria Commercial Bank coming in as a partner for us. The East Africa Classic Safari Rally is a renowned event around the world. We want to take it back to its original fame. 

We also want to take the rally back to the people. So this is huge and definitely we will get mileage over the partnership,” said Sudle who has been a member of the World Rally Championship Organizing team for the past 13 years.

On his part,the Victoria Commercial Bank CEO Yogesh Pattni commended the partnership dubbing it as an opportunity for growth. 

“It is indeed a special day for the EACS Rally and us as a bank. We are honored and privileged to be given an opportunity to partner.

“This is the most sought after rally and we want the event to go back to its glory days. It is important that we restore its place on the calendar because it brings huge memories for most of us fans.

We want to see different experiences and cultures come together and importantly the element of sportsmanship is essential,” he said.