Finnish winner in Safari Rally

Finnish driver Tapio Laukkanen won the once world famous open road Safari Rally in Kenya, now counting for the African and national championships as a special stage event.

Safari Rally winner, Tapio Laukkanen (Subaru). Photo: Geoff MayesThis year was the shortest of the 65 Safari Rallies held to date.  

There was drama even before the event when a competitor was reported to have been robbed at gunpoint while making his recce of a super special stage.

Then came confusion over the regulatory requirements for the first day running order.  Next the Suswa stage, famous for the horrendous dust in old time Safari rallies, had to be cancelled because of the conditions.  

There were other confusions about the correct routes to be followed, but 10 minute penalties were nevertheless levied on some competitors.  

The now first runner, Laukkanen, lost three minutes himself by getting lost on a stage, but benefitted from the still air and the dust which slowed other crews.  

Tundo rolled, but provisionally finished third behind the reigning Kenyan Champion Laukkanen, and Ian Duncan.
 
- Martin Holmes    

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