NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 10 – The East African Safari Classic, organisers of the annual mini and main classic, have decided to retire the car number 43 in honour of deceased YouTube racer Ken Block.
The American passed away last week from injuries sustained in a snowmobile accident near his Woodland ranch in Utah.
Block, who made his maiden appearance at last year’s East African Safari Classic main rally, was expected to compete at this year’s event.
In a statement, the organisers said the number 43 will be omitted from all its future events, in memory of the 55-year-old who clinched Day One of the nine-day rally during his debut on African terrain.
“Following the decision by the WRC (World Rally Championship) to withdraw car number 43 from it’s listing this season, the EASCR follows suit in paying tribute to Ken Block by omitting number 43 in all its future events,” the organisers said.
His demise left the Kenyan motorsport community in shock as many of who had interacted with him struggled to come to terms.
The Tutthill Porsche driver had expressed a desire to return to the country for this year’s edition of the main classic and to savour the sights and sounds Kenya has to offer.
