Muchemi scoops grand award

• ‘Baba Ciru’ battles illness to earn top honours at annual ceremony

Ben Muchemi was Sunday crowned the 2009 Kenya Motorsports Personality of the Year after a memorable season that saw him battle with cancer to return to rallying.

Muchemi made several trips to India for treatment in 2008 but in between still harboured his dream of returning to the wheel of his Subaru Impreza, a remarkable comeback story that won him the admiration of many, including the judges who picked the winners rewarded at a Kenya Motor Sports Foundation (KMSF) luncheon in Nairobi on Sunday.

“Baba Ciru”, as his fans fondly call him, was consistent in last year’s Kenya National Rally Championship upon his return to the sport.

Major surprise

Muchemi beat veteran rally driver Ian Duncan and Shivan Vinayak, a seasoned motocross rider, to the title.

“I have been in rallying for over 21 years and it is a major surprise to me to have won this title. I promise as a (motorsports) director and driver that I will give my best shot to promote motorsports,” said Muchemi.

Sports Minister, Helen Sambili, the chief guest at the ceremony, commended the KMSF for their efforts in sound sports management.

New technology

The government has committed over Sh8 million to motorsports development and Sambili gave a thumbs up to rally organisers for having embraced new technology by introducing transponders to track rally cars during competition therefore eliminating cheating and improving competition management.

“But I challenge the KMSF to do everything in their power to lobby all the relevant authorities to ensure that the Safari Rally is returned as a round of the World Rally Championship,” added Sambili.

National rally champion, Carl “Flash” Tundo, won the best driver’s prize with his co-driver, Tim Jessop, picking up the navigator’s crown.
“I tell the other drivers to try and catch me if they can next season,” said a delighted Tundo.

Kirit Rajput scooped the most improved rally driver’s prize with Minir Khan and his navigator Sam Jethwa walking away with the most consistent crew’s title.

Motocross champions, Murigu Njiiri (MX50), Apollo Mbuki (MX65), Adil Khan (MX85), Cruze Muigai (MX85) and Shivam Vinayak (MX1), all went home with prizes.

Shivam, in spite of missing out on the overall award, can look back at last season with pride having retained the Enduro 125cc class title and wrapped up the 2009 season (his best) with the East African AMU MX1 title.

He became the first rider to win all the classes, right from MX50 to MX1.