Share this
Finnish crew comprising of Tapio Laukannen and his co-driver Pasi Torma will be declared the 2016 KNRC champions should they win the KCB Kitengela outing. Should he succeed in his bid, Tapio will make history as the first ever foreign driver to win the prestigious title.
“We are optimistic of grabbing a fourth victory during the KCB Kitengela Rally. Caution is key especially at the third stage, but hopefully Pasi and I can make history in Kenya”, said Tapio Laukannen
The Finnish requires only 22 points from the remaining two outings or top five finishes in KCB Kitengela and Guru Nanak outings.
Tapio is currently leading on the KNRC standings with 129 points ahead of Jaspreet Chatthe who has 100 points while Rajbir Rai is third with 79 points.
Six times champion Ian Duncan will be hoping to renew his rivalry with Kenyan speedsters after struggling during the KCB Eldoret outing last month.
The rally will rev-off from KCB Kitengela Branch on Sunday 6th November at 7am, with the drivers heading to 22.9 Kms CS 1 in Kajiado town.
KCB Bank Director of Logistics Asiko Owiro lauded KMSF for organising great outings this year adding that KCB remains the biggest sponsor of sports in Kenya.
“We are committed to nurturing the sports talent. For all ardent motorsport lovers, Kitengela will be exciting and let us turn up in large numbers to cheer on the drivers”, said Mr. Asiko.
Top Kenyans expected in Kitengela are Carl “Flash” Tundo powering a Proto Ford Fiesta, Ian Duncan with an Evolution X , Manvir Baryan, Onkai Rai and Baldev Chager in the speed for glory.
Several high-tech machines are expected to add immense zest into the Kitengela outing. The battle of engines has classic Ford Escorts and Porsches, 2WD Toyotas, Group N Mitsubishi Evolutions, Subaru’s, R4s and Ford Fiesta R5s.
Drew Sturrock from Britain will be navigating Kenya’s Manvir Baryan in his Ford Fiesta R5. The R5 has been the talk of town over the past few weeks after claiming a podium finish in Eldoret.
The field on navigators is led by Gurdeep Panesar with 111 points, followed by Greg Stead, Tim Jessop and Amar Slatch.
The competitive mileage will be 140 Kilometres, liaison distance 133 Kilometres with a total distance 274 kilometres.
The rally cars will tackle each stage thrice before heading to Kajiado Airstrip for the prize giving ceremony at 5 PM on Sunday evening.
The 7th round of the KCB rally will see some of the contenders fight for top honours as the series gets to the home-stretch
According to the Clerk of Course Gurvir Bhabra, it’s all systems go for the rally.
“The route will be challenging for the drivers and navigators and we have put in place safety measures to ensure that the rally goes down successfully”, said Bhabra
Hundreds of spectators are expected to gather at the ceremonial start venue to wave off competitors outside the KCB Kitengela Branch, along the route, at Kona Baridi, a favourite for fans as well as at the spectator stage at Kajiado Air strip.
The KCB Kitengela rally scrutineering will be held on 5th October at the Sikh Union club in Nairobi with the reconnaissance taking place along Kajiado road.
