Shekhar Mehta's Birthday

[26th-Z]

Shekhar Mehta born in Nairobi on this day, 1945

Shekhar Mehta, the only 5-time winner of the Safari Rally, was born in Nairobi, Kenya. The most grueling rally race in the world, the Safari originated in '53 at the behest of the Royal East African Automobile Association. East African racing clubs had maintained an interest in running an international rally event ever since the road from Nairobi to Johannesburg had become a popular route for endurance tests during the '30s. Logistical problems prevented plotting a race course form Nairobi to Johannesburg. In '53, in an unstable Kenya, the Royal East African Auto Club organizers seized on the idea of a race that would remain entirely in East Africa. A race course starting & finishing in Nairobi & circumnavigating Lake Victoria was considered ideal. Racing enthusiasts gathered support for the plan by suggesting that the race be held in honor of Queen Elizabeth's 6/2 coronation. The idea was approved by colonial authorities, & the race was on. Since that inaugural race, the Safari has become one of the world's premier rally races. Initially running thru the east African nations of Kenya, Tanzania, & Uganda, today the Safari is limited to Kenya for political sovereignty issues. The longest Safari Rally ever, Mehta's debut race in '71, covered 3,852 miles of unpaved paths & open country. The event covers land at altitudes ranging from sea level to 10,000' above sea level. In '71, 107 cars began the race & only 32 finished. Mehta won his 1st Safari Rally in '73, becoming the 2nd Kenyan to claim the title. He dominated the event in the late '70s & early '80s, winning 4 Safaris in a row w/navigator Mike Doughty guiding their Nissan/Datsun.

Mehta died in 2006.