Our Team

Our team

Chairman
Chairman

Joey Ghose

Chairman of EASCR since 2021, his aim has been to bring the rally back to its former glory. This rally is known as the world’s greatest rally and he intends to augment this - we will run a technical but enjoyable rally, showing the world the true spirit of the EASCR!

Event Director
Event Director

Gilly Dykes

The EASCR to me is a case of coming full circle, since I worked as a volunteer back in 1985 on the Safari. I was put in the car with Rauno Aaltonen when I was a teenager, and I still remember his feet dancing on the pedals. The opportunity to be involved in what is effectively my dream event, was not to be passed up and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of a team who are passionate about what they do. The Classic is a legendary event, but it must be part of a legacy handed down to future Kenyans to adore and follow and dream about. Fortunately, this vision is shared by our chairman.

After leaving Kenya in the late 80’s, having navigated a couple of times for Pete Hayes, and navigating for my husband in Uganda, I became involved with motorsport in Southern Africa. Bikes, cars, and karts were the weapons of choice but ultimately it is the dust and dirt that makes me feel alive, so circuit racing fell by the wayside. I have been fortunate enough to do 7 Dakar rallies, 3 as manager for a team, and 4 years as a steward. South America is full of passionate motorsport fans, but none as knowledgeable as Kenyans when it comes to rallies. I am currently also involved in the World Championship cross country events as an official and believe that I can learn from both facets of the sport and bring ideas to EASCR as well as network with those who wish to compete in the Classic. It is a mammoth task to put on such an event, and one that cannot be taken lightly, so the professionalism of the team is paramount as well as their individual strengths which will help create a race to remember.

Clerk of Course
Clerk of Course

ONKAR KALSI - COFC

Onkar was involved with rallying through his father and began helping out at Safari Rally controls from the time of a toddler.

He has been involved with the running of the Guru Nanak, Classic and Safari Rallies since 2007 and is still active to-date.

Onkar has taken on various roles such as a steward, clerk of course, deputy clerk of course and scrutineer throughout his rallying experience.

Deputy Clerk of Course
Deputy Clerk of Course

QAHIR RAHIM – DEPUTY COFC

The rallying 'Dudu' bit Qahir from a very young age. He has always been passionate and enthusiastic about rallying in East Africa. All thanks to his father who used to take him out to watch rallies before he even started walking. Qahir's involvement on the officiating side of rallying began after my University studies.

From 2021, Qahir started to compete in the grassroots form of Rallying in Kenya driving diverse buggies. This is no other than the Kenya National Autocross Championship Series. In between all this, till date, he has organized National Rallies as a Deputy Clerk of Course. Additionally, Qahir is also a long-term Stage Commander for the ARC Equator Rally and more notably, the WRC Safari Rally Kenya that made a welcome return after a disappearance from the WRC calendar for 19 years.

Qahir's involvement with the Classic began in 2019, when he joined as a Safety Official. Since then, Classic has made a positive mark on his heart. He mentions that it is a special sight and feeling to experience pre-1985 competition rally cars revisit iconic stages of the golden era of the safari and moreover, to admire their impeccable and stunning build quality in this modern day and age. Since the completion of the 2019 classic, Qahir promised himself to never miss another Classic ever again and to eventually compete in it one day too.

For the 2021 Mini classic and 2022 Main classic, he explored a different angle of Classic rallying which was getting involved with the build-process and servicing of rally cars. The East African Safari Classic Rally is definitely one special event. Qahir mentions that he is highly motivated and excited to input his level best and take Classic Rallying in East Africa to greater heights. #TwendeKazi

Media Safety & Project Coordinator
Media Safety & Project Coordinator

ANWAR SIDI

Anwar has been involved in motorsports organisations for over two decades (and over 40 years of formal motorsports professional photography) in various capacities. Most recently, he his involved in the WRC Safari Rally as their Media Safety Head. Media Safety for the events means; planning, identifying and securing the various locations for the media who cover this event for a worldwide audience.

Anwar was born in Meru, Kenya and my profession as a photojournalist and publisher has been ongoing from 1981 onwards. One of his biggest milestones was 29 years ago when my first published picture of the East African Safari Rally splashed on the front pages of Kenya national newspapers and global ones too including ‘wire’ agencies – AP, AFP and Reuters. The picture was taken during the 1985 Marlboro Safari Rally encompassing the spectacular roll on Taita Hills, picturing the Nissan 240RS (Car No. 31) of Hans Schuller and Wolfgang Schiller.

Having had the chance to experience Classic rallying in its golden years, Anwar's passion has lived on for the spectacle of watching and photographing classic rallies. Since 2003 (To Date), I have covered and photographed the East African Safari Classic Rally for the local and international press.

"I am looking forward to continue working with the classic family to capture all their future events."

ies. 1986 to 1990 saw him serve as an official for various safari rallies, a controller and assistant clerk of course in several local rallies. Bipin was then appointed to be the event director for various Kenya National Rally Championship rallies that were staged in Eldoret from 2004 to 2015. In August of 2021, he also founded the Eldoret Rally Club.

Tanzania Coordinator
Tanzania Coordinator

MANMEET SINGH BIRDI

Manmeet is the coordinator for Tanzania. He is also a navigator for the Hari Singh Rally Team in Tanzania.

Manmeet is looking forward to the return of the East African Safari Classic on Tanzanian soil after 4 years and is excited to be working with the team.

Mombasa Coordinator
Mombasa Coordinator

PARAS PANDYA

Paras lives in Mombasa, Kenya. He has been a participant in the Kenya National Rally Championship as a driver from 2010 till date. Currently driving a Mitsubishi Evo X. The highlights of his career are finishing the 2021 WRC SAFARI Rally and have had a career best 5th best position in the 2019 KNRC Kilifi rally. Paras is the managing director of Synergy Gases (K) Ltd which is based in Mombasa but delivers gas products through out Kenya. Paras is looking forward to being the Mombasa coordinator for the East African Safari Classic Rally and in ensuring he contributes his best towards making classic rallying a great success in Kenya.

Nakuru Coordinator
Nakuru Coordinator

HARJIT SINGH SAGOO

Harry is the Africa Representative for RBI Sport and an expert in various timing and tracking applications for various motorsports over the last 12 years. Chief controller for the WRC, The East African and ARC in 2021 and 2022.

Harry is also a senior official in various motorsport disciplines as well as the current Chairman for the Rift Valley Motorsports Club.

Eldoret Coordinator
Eldoret Coordinator

BIPIN TAILOR

Bipin's motorsports career began back in 1978 when he was involved in the clubman rallies using standard production cars. From 1980 to 1985 he served as a service crew member for several teams that competed in numerous rallies. 1986 to 1990 saw him serve as an official for various safari rallies, a controller and assistant clerk of course in several local rallies. Bipin was then appointed to be the event director for various Kenya National Rally Championship rallies that were staged in Eldoret from 2004 to 2015. In August of 2021, he also founded the Eldoret Rally Club.

Eldoret Coordinator
Eldoret Coordinator

RAJ KACHELA

Raj has been involved with servicing and managing various rally teams over the years. Raj is keen to put his planning and organisation skills to practice.

Raj is excited to make the 2022 Mini Classic the best one yet.