BATTLE ROYALE:Rally big boys ready for maiden Top Fry Rift 1000 Classic Rally in Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet

**Carl Tundo with Tim Jessop in action during the KCB Nakuru safari rally on 05-09-2015,they won in the race PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU**

Four-time Kenya National Rally Champion (KNRC) Carl Tundo is among some high-profile drivers who will take part in the inaugural Top Fry Rift 1,000 Classic Rally Championship.

Tundo will be looking for a podium finish in a Triumph TR7 machine when the rally begins from December 10-12 in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet. He will be navigated by Tim Jessop.

The duo will be second off the rump behind 2009 KNRC runner-up Alastair Cavanagh, who will be navigated by Gavin Lawrence, in a Porsche 911.

Owing to his current form, Ian Duncan stands a big chance of bagging the championship and he will be navigated by Amaar Slatch. They will be off the rump after Steve Parkinson.

The duo of Frank Tundo and his sister Natasha are confident of challenging Carl in their Triumph TR7 car during the three-day race, which will feature some of the oldest and unique car models in Kenya.

“We have been training so much and we are ready for this event. We are set for any eventuality, including the unpredictable weather conditions. All we pray for is to have a good race and finish in a respectable position,” said Natasha at a press conference in Nairobi yesterday.

Already, 38 drivers, including four from United Kingdom, three from South Africa and one from Dubai, have registered for the inaugural event.

The team from South Africa includes Geoff Bell/Tim Challon (Datsun 260Z), Lola Verlaque/Edward Verlaque (Volkswagen Golf) and Megan Verlaque/Hilton Audrey (Volkswagen Golf).

Event Director Lynn Tundo said the aim of the event is to hold an affordable, compact classic rally, which encourages owners of classic rally cars to take part and improve the number of entries in the championship.

In order to give the event some prominence, The Standard Group has come on board as the event’s official media partner with a sponsorship fee of Sh2million.

“The Standard Group is glad to be part of this unique motorsport event in the country. It will also be a way of giving back to our clients and the society at large. We will continue doing this in other events as we aim to interact with families and members of societies across the country,” said Angela Wanjohi, The Standard Group Marketing Manager, Print.

"This is what we have always wanted to do and we will doing. It prides us knowing we are changing people's lives."

Director of Operations Best Whisky Wycliffe Saduma added that his company has come on board to support and develop this unique rally event, while creating its awareness across Kenya.

Other corporate companies that have come on board include Toyota Kenya, Intra Africa Assurance, Coca Cola, Liquid Telkom, Menengai Oil and Top Fry.

Drivers will compete in FIA Class 1 that includes 1600cc, FIA Class 2 (2000cc) and FIA class 3 (3000cc) cars.