Chager Takes Command of Safari Classic as Daykin Exits in Mechanical Blow

A major leadership shake-up unfolded on Day 4 of the 2025 East African Safari Classic Rally after overnight leader Piers Daykin retired early in the opening stage, surrendering a lead he had held since the start of the competition.

Daykin, who was widely tipped to maintain control heading into the second half of the rally, ran into mechanical trouble just 14 kilometres into SS11, forcing his withdrawal and handing the advantage to compatriot Baldev Chager.

Chager now tops the general classification with a cumulative time of 09:32:16.0, positioning himself as the strongest contender as the rally prepares for its final push following Thursday’s rest day. Britain’s Harry Hunt sits second on 09:54:28.9, 22 minutes 12.9 seconds off the pace, while Evgeny Kireev is third in 10:01:20.3.

Greece’s Jourdan Serderidis and Belgium’s Fred Miclotte complete the top five, posting 10:01:38.7 and 10:03:33.4 respectively.

The rugged Day 4 route once again underscored the event’s characteristic attrition, with reliability, mechanical strategy and endurance continuing to influence positions more than outright speed.

Ireland’s Keith McIvor remains the leading Class 3 driver and sixth overall in 10:19:29.9, followed by Sweden’s Roger Samuelsson in seventh on 10:27:56.8. Britain’s Andrew Siddall is eighth on 10:36:05.9, UAE’s Thomas Bell ninth with 10:37:34.2, and Dutch driver Roger Hodenius closes the top 10 at 10:38:02.5.

Competitors will pause today for the scheduled rest day at Amboseli Sopa Lodge, where service crews are expected to undertake extensive mechanical inspections and rebuilds ahead of the final three days, historically the most decisive segment of the classic rally.