By Feverpitch Reporter
Tejas Hirani, 13, is set to become the youngest competitor in off-road Raid events when the National Cross Country Raid heads to Soysambu Ranch this weekend.
Hirani will be navigated by Bhavik Soni in his “Magi-Bug” machine, a new road legal buggy being introduced in Kenya this year.
In his historic campaign, Hirani hopes to rub shoulders with defending buggy champion Ian Duncan and fast rising Samir Khan, after launching his new car in Kiambu’s Migaa farm.
The Soysambu showdown is sponsored by “Feast of the Beast” while Colourtunes are back to sponsor all competition numbers in the Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club (RVM&SC) - organised event.
Hirani, winner of the previous RVM&SC karting round in Solai, will be taking his historic battle to the Great Rift said: “I can’t wait to be in Soysambu this weekend, the fun and challenge involved as well as the adventure in the bundus makes it even better for me.”
The new Magi Bug, which has an engine capacity of 500cc, is being introduced in Kenya as a farm field car.
Hirani will participate in the new class aimed at whipping up the enthusiasm of youngsters in the grass roots to join Raid racing.
Soni, who has been working on the red “Magi Bug” was enthusiastic of the countryside adventure.
RVM & SC chairman Rob Collinge has, in the meantime, urged spectators to throng the venue in anticipation of some vibrant entertainment.
Renew rivalry
The car class has the likes of Akash Dodhia/Altaf Ganatra (WildCat), defending champion Nish Lakhani (Kenya Cat) and Rajesh Maini in a Range Rover machine.
Champion Shazar Anwar and Vincent Boulanger renew their rivalry in the Quad class.
Notable absentee in buggy class is Abid Ganatra who got lost in the bundus last time round in Nanyuki’s round stage at the Ol Doiny Lemboro.
Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of two times former KNRC champions Alastair Cavenagh and Carl Tundo and Dalbit Petroleum/Monster Energy Drink-sponsored, have both had an expensive time preparing for this year’s Safari Rally, having not finished in Kisumu last month.
The Safari -the Great African experience- returns to the same route course used last year in Kajiado and Athi River between June 8 and 10.
Amazingly, both drivers came unstuck on the same jump with Cavenagh splitting his sump and Tundo damaging the radiator, leading to their retirement in Chemelil and Awasi.
“We have had to do a full engine rebuild to be on the safe side,” said Cavenagh when contacted about his preparations.
“We are fixing new parts onto the car in preparation for the Safari as it is critical to our championship hopes of getting a good result and extra points to stay in touch with Tundo,” he added.
