NAIROBI, Kenya, April 17- Titleholder Ian Duncan will be the first off the ramp ahead of 54 drivers expected to compete in the third round of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) that revs off in Kisumu and Chemelil this weekend.
Duncan who currently lies fifth in the drivers’ standings will be hoping to make amends after retiring in the last outing in Lake Bogoria with current leader Carl Tundo second at the start ahead of Dalbit Petroleum teammate Alistair Cavenagh.
Speaking at the media briefing on Tuesday, Kenya Motorsports Federation general manager, Mwaura Njuguna says the route is considerably good at the moment but expected rains could pose a huge challenge to the drivers.
“The rally will be flagged off on Saturday outside the Kisumu KCB branch before the drivers tackle the 31.1 kilometers of wet black cotton soil surfaces that has several twists and turns,” he further explained.
The route has six sections all centred on the Chemelil area, where five will be repeated to make the event an 11 stages run. Enthusiasts can watch the speedsters at an open 1.1km stage at the start of the CS2 section.
Joel Muchiri who recently graduated to the 4WD class is under a lot of pressure to perform after dropping out in the last round since the area is seen as a home ground for his sponsors.
“I dropped out in Nakuru due to mechanical problems, so I’m planning to make a comeback, pick points and maintain my position. I’m still not perfect in this new car, hence my driving will be moderate but I will try my best especially through the muddy sections”, stressed Muchiri of United Millers Racing.
2WD champion Leonard Varese navigated by Kigondu Kareithi in a VW Golf will be glad to make a comeback in the Kisumu leg where he last won in 2010.
“We are looking forward to the lakeside tour and believe that as long as the car performs, the wet surface will not be a problem to us,” a confident Varese affirmed.
Tundo currently leads the drivers’ standings on 160 points followed by Alastair Cavenagh on 110 while Azar Anwar is third on 85 ahead of the event organised by the Equator Motor Club.