History 1980s

1982 Safari Rally (Kenya)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1982 Safari Rally

Date: April 8–12, 1982

Host Country: Kenya

Surface: Gravel (Endurance Format)

Total Distance: 4,260 km (competitive)

Total Starters: Approx. 60 crews

Total Finishers: 19 crews

The 1982 Safari Rally was as unforgiving as ever, with long stages across Kenya’s savannahs, riverbeds, and rocky escarpments. Shekhar Mehta, already a Safari legend, once again conquered the elements with co-driver Mike Doughty in their Nissan Violet GT. Facing torrential rains, mechanical carnage, and fierce local competition, Mehta’s methodical approach and deep knowledge of African terrain proved decisive. This win was his fifth Safari victory—an unmatched feat in rallying history.

Route

Mount Kenya Loop: High-altitude passes with sudden downpours and fog.
Rift Valley Sections: Fast, dusty plains and rocky outcrops that punished tires and suspensions.
Coastal Routes: Humid, jungle-like conditions with flooded tracks and river crossings.

Unlike traditional stage rallies, the Safari Rally used roadbook-style navigation over public roads with time controls. Crews faced heat, mud, wildlife, and floodwaters during the five-day marathon.

The changing elevation, lack of reconnaissance, and rough surfaces made endurance and adaptability far more important than outright pace.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Shekhar Mehta & Mike Doughty · Nissan Violet GT
2nd Place
Rauno Aaltonen & Lofty Drews · Nissan Violet GT
3rd Place
Vic Preston Jr. & John Lyall · Porsche 911 SC

Mehta led steadily, avoiding major breakdowns and maintaining strong pace while others faltered. Aaltonen made it a 1–2 for Nissan, and Preston Jr. surprised many by bringing the 911 SC home in third after a consistent and careful drive.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Rain and Mud: Sudden tropical storms turned roads into rivers—timing and tire choice were everything.
  • Mechanical Wear: Crews frequently had to perform roadside repairs, with cooling systems, shocks, and electronics all under constant stress.
  • Wildlife and Terrain: Giraffes, zebras, and livestock were common hazards, alongside deep ditches and rock formations that could end rallies in a heartbeat.

The 1982 Safari Rally was not won on speed but on survival. Shekhar Mehta's strategic brilliance and deep local experience made him untouchable in one of the most brutal rallies ever staged on the African continent.

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