A rainy scare

by Ernest Ndunda

Said Hamad, who leads the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Division Three, is worried man.

Hamad, like many other rally fans is scared of the torrential rains in Mombasa and its environs ahead of next week’s Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Safari Rally.

Hamad, who leads his category with 86 points, said on Wednesday he feared the rains could be a big set-back to his plans of winning the title.

"We only need to finish among the top three drivers in Division Three to be crowned the new champions," said Hamad. He was accompanied by his team manager, Mohammed Ali Khan.

Hamad of Yamakasi Racing Team has featured in six rallies out of the seven on the calendar this year. He skipped the Eldoret Rally.

The last event

"The November 3 Mombasa Rally will be the last event on the KNRC calendar this season and we intend to win it in style," said Hamad. He is making a comeback after two years of absence.

Hamad said the event was affected last year when several cars rolled due to heavy rains. He said many drivers would like to forget the incident in a hurry. It occurred in Kilifi District and on the same route that will be used on Saturday.

However, Hamad said he had taken long to prepare for the event, saying his 14-year-old Subaru Impreza Version 4 model is ready. "My crew has been working on the car and it is at the garage waiting to cruise on the rallying day," said Hamad. Khan said he was optimistic the car would see them through the rally.

However, Hamad will not have it easy. He faces stiff opposition from Ben Muchemi of Nairobi who is placed second in Division Three category.

Izhar Mirza of Coast Pekee Rally will be seeking to make amends for the losses incurred previously, especially to Nairobi’s Asad "Khan" Kalulu with a string of retirements.

 

 

Read all about: Mombasa Rally Eldoret Rally

 

 

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