Flying Duncan stays on top

• Former Safari champ still in the lead as cars end third day of 2009 race in Arusha

Gerard Macy’s chances of staying with the leaders faded in stage 5 after his Porsche stopped with electrical problems.

After a good start, the Savage brothers, Quentin and Russell in a Datsun 180B, have dropped outside the top-20 after losing over 40 minutes in the second stage of the day. They have thus reversed places with their dad (Jonathan) who has moved into the top-six position driving a Datsun 260Z.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally “cares” for all as chief medical officer Dr. Harjinder Chagger proved when his team of paramedics attended to an accident victim not related to the rally.

While up in the safety chopper, Harjinder was able to instruct mode of treatment to be provided to a pedestrian whose leg was broken after an accident with a non-competing vehicle on the Mombasa Highway.

“We had the facilities at hand and it was our duty to provide services at a time like this. The injured was well taken care off before the medics were able to take him to the nearest hospital,’’ said Dr. Chagger. He said he would have instructed the pilot to bring the chopper down if the case needed his personal attention.

Meanwhile, the unsung heroines of the 10-Marathon rally are several ladies who volunteer to help their associates with much needed “home care” on terrains described by majority as unbearable.

Sabina Khan, wife of Arshard Khan not only takes care and feeds the husband, brother-in-law Aslam Khan, son Fahraaz during competition but also looks after the welfare of the members of the service crew and those lucky enough to pass by her tent.

“I enjoy being part of the team having done this for many years. I have a bigger stake in the competition with so many relatives actively competing,’’ said Sabina.

At times she is assisted by Ruhina Mirza, wife to Ijaz and mother to Izhar who are also part of the ALS Rally Team. Ijaz and Izhar are well known drivers in the KNRC series. Sabina and Ruhina have plans to enter a rally as competitors in the near future.

Ann Troughton, another lady widely known in the motor sports circles is also here to maintain her support for Ian Duncan, Amar Slatch and members of Good-Year Tyres-sponsored the service crews.