Irish driver John Coyne takes early lead in East African Safari Classic Rally prologue

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MOTORSPORTS Irish driver John Coyne takes early lead in East African Safari Classic Rally prologue

Festus Chuma 12:30 - 10.12.2023

Irish driver's stellar performance in prologue sets the stage for a thrilling East African Safari Classic Rally.

Saturday's prologue of the East African Safari Classic Rally kicked off with an impressive performance by Irish driver John Coyne, setting the stage for a thrilling competition in the picturesque landscapes of Kenya.

Behind the wheel of his meticulously prepared Tuthill Porsche 911, Coyne, alongside navigator Josh McErlean, showcased their prowess as they secured the top spot in the prologue held at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County.

Their remarkable 15.5-kilometer run outpaced the 2019 champion, Kris Rosenberger, by a notable 8 seconds, setting the tone for Sunday's Day 1 leg.

In a Porsche-dominated leaderboard, Germany's Emille Breittmayer claimed the third position, trailing the leader by just 12 seconds, solidifying Porsche's stronghold at the top.

Defending champion Baldev Chager, partnered with Gareth Dawe in their own Porsche 911, faced numerous challenges throughout the prologue but persevered, finishing 30 seconds behind the leader.

Chager remains determined to emulate the success of his compatriot, Rob Collinge, who achieved back-to-back wins in 2003 and 2005.

"We had a number of gazelles in our way, hopping in and out of the side of the roads for a good 500 meters, and of course, animals here have the right of way, so you have to respect that.

But it's okay, and then being first on the road, we were the first ones to find the slippery spots. We were lucky to make it up that hill where everyone got stuck," he said as per Citizen Digital.

Coyne, aware of the formidable competition and the unique obstacles presented by the East African terrain, expressed his satisfaction with their promising start.

"We have a significant task ahead, especially competing against drivers with local knowledge. I'm pleased with our start, although I know every stage won't be as favorable," he said.

Saturday morning marked the ceremonial flag-off of the rally, with more than 60 drivers and navigators participating in the event, making it the largest-ever entry for the East African Safari Classic Rally.

The ceremony was presided over by Kilifi County Deputy Governor Flora Chibule, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating and unforgettable rally.

With the iconic Porsche cars dominating the leaderboard, the rally's fans can expect thrilling competition and breathtaking moments as the event unfolds in the heart of East Africa. 

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