Big boys Duncan, Anwar and Chager to battle for supremacy in Nyeri rally

Ian Dancan co-driven by Amar Statch in their Ford Mustang car leaves a trail of dust after negotiating a corner at the Vipingo Ridge at a past Kenya Airways East African Classic rally championship Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Last year in Nyeri, spectators filled the prestigious Ruring’u Stadium to the rafters and the upcoming KCB Mobi Bank Nyeri Rally is not expected to be an exception at the Kabiru-ini ASK Showground.
  • There is more enthusiasm ahead of the race given that double (1999 and 2010) champion Alastair Cavenagh who gave the Kajiado leg a wide berth will be making a comeback as well as defending KNRC Champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo who is out to reclaim the title after retiring in the first leg with mechanical problems.

Crowd-favorite and 2008 National Champion Baldev Singh Chager who leads the 2013 KNRC with 80 points faces a strong challenge from legendary drivers Ian Duncan and Azar Anwar at the second round of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship planned for next weekend in Nyeri.

Chager’s rivalry with Duncan and Anwar, who occupy the second and third positions with 60 and 50 points respectively, will play out in the picturesque terrain of Mount Kenya Forest, Mathira and Mweiga areas.

Last year in Nyeri, spectators filled the prestigious Ruring’u Stadium to the rafters and the upcoming KCB Mobi Bank Nyeri Rally is not expected to be an exception at the Kabiru-ini ASK Showground.

Race cancelled

Rally fans are looking forward to another round of action after the KCB Voi legs for last month was cancelled due to the recently concluded national General Elections.

Coming exactly a month after the first leg held in Kajiado, the event will offer real test of nerves for drivers and navigators.

Having already driven the Subaru Impreza for over a decade, Chager is expected to unveil his new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 car which was acquired from the United Kingdom.

There is more enthusiasm ahead of the race given that double (1999 and 2010) champion Alastair Cavenagh who gave the Kajiado leg a wide berth will be making a comeback as well as defending KNRC Champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo who is out to reclaim the title after retiring in the first leg with mechanical problems.

The KCB Classic Car Cup, which has proved popular with spectators due to its association with the vintage Safari cars, should also be a crowd puller, with leader and current champion Aslam Khan, Hardev S. Sira from Britain and Ramesh Visram the frontrunners.

In the KNRC Division Three, runaway leader Tejvri Rai will be out to claim the title, but has to be wary of Alasdair Keith and Jazzy Chana who are both breathing down his neck in the race.

The S-SPV Class is expected to be an affair between leader Alex Horsey from Mombasa, Keith and defending champion Jazzy Chana while in the 2WD class are Adnan Suhail, Dennis Mwenda and Gurmit Thetthy.

Standings after Round One: KNRC 1. Baldev Chager (80); 2. Ian Duncan (60); 3. Azar Anwar (50). Classic: 1. Aslam Khan (80); 2. Hardev S. Sira (60); 3. Ramesh Vishram (50). KNRC DIV. 3: 1. Tejvir Rai (80); 2. Alasdair Keith (60); 3. Jazzy Chana 50. S-SPV Class: 1. Alex Horsey (80); 2. Alasdair Keith (60); 3. Jazzy Chana (50). 2WD Class: 1. Adnan Suhail (80); 2. Dennis Mwenda (60); 3. Gurmit Thethy (50).

Described as one of the greatest rally adventures in the KNRC, scrutineering will be done on April 6 followed by the ceremonial flagging off outside the KCB Branch the same day from 1pm.

According to the Additional Supplementary Regulations (ASRs), reconnaissance amongst crews will be done on April 5 from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm while those who will not have gone through the exercise will be allowed to do so on April 6 from 6.00 pm to 10.30 a.m.