Shekhar Mehta

Mehta’s early results in grueling African rallies earned him a reputation for tactical endurance and paved the way for his later dominance in the 1970s.

• Peugeot 404: His entry car in the 1968 Safari Rally, a proven platform for African conditions.
• Datsun 1600SSS: Became his go-to vehicle for local rallying in 1969, helping him transition into international competition by the end of the decade.

Mehta’s early skill at balancing car preservation with competitive pace made him a natural fit for endurance-focused manufacturers like Datsun.

Even in the 1960s, Mehta’s driving was marked by precision, mechanical empathy, and deep understanding of terrain. He was one of the first East African drivers to master both the competitive speed and endurance required for the Safari Rally. His smooth driving and strategic awareness caught the attention of manufacturers and marked him as a rising star in African rally circles.

By the end of the decade, Shekhar Mehta had become a symbol of the emerging East African rallying talent pool — one destined to make its mark globally in the coming years.

In his early rallies, Mehta developed strong bonds with regional co-drivers, refining his pacenote discipline and time control on complex routes. Although his iconic partnership with Lofty Drews began in the 1970s, his late-1960s teamwork laid the foundation for future success.

Mehta’s early professionalism and respect for the navigator’s role made him an exemplary team driver from the outset of his career.