By FEVERPITCH REPORTER

Despite massive attention on drivers’ championship, the tussle for navigators’ points in this Saturday’s KCB Mobi Bank Voi Rally.

Fans will be looking out for more drama as the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) enters its third round in Voi.

For KNRC Navigator leader Ravi Soni, this is an important championship tussle as its the first time he has found himself in a position to challenge for the co-drivers’ honours after joining Baldev Chager at the start of the season.

“It’s a long season, new car (EVOX) and that is more of a challenge at this point. Fortunately, I am very comfortable with Chager and things can only get better in the car. Our main focus will be consistency and reliability of the car. We need to be sensible and approach the rest of the events in a calculated manner. Usually that means flat-out with no risk,” said Ravi who is navigating series drivers’ leader Chager for the third occasion in his career.

Soni leads the championship with 140 points followed by Azar Anwar’s navigator Julius Ngigi on 90 points while Carl Tundo’s partner Tim Jessop is third on 80 points.

Jessop and Tundo had a good run in Nyeri where they won their first event of the season, erasing fears of their retirement in Kajiado.

“We are going out for a win in Voi, but we must get points also, so we will play the strategic plan that we have in place. Our pace is good at the moment and the other teams are finding it hard to keep up the steady but fast pace we have. In mud, there absolutely no real challenges. I want another championship win under my belt which will bring it to five. I must be nearing a record,” said Jessop who is happy for their new sponsor Menengai Oil. 

See no reaction

Surprisingly, for Soni, it feels comfortable with Chager on the driving seat.

“There are no hairy moments and when a driver reacts to the note you call, you don’t feel scared at all. It’s when you call a note and see no reaction that things get scary,” continued Soni.

Ngigi is hoping that Azar’s consistency pays off and so will be Ian Duncan’s partner Amaar Slatch.

The event is being organised by East African Safari Rally (EASR) and co-sponsored by iWay-Africa, ICEA Lion Group and ALS.

Also expected to give the champions a stiff opposition are a group of youngsters led by Quentin Mitchell and the Horsey siblings-Peter and Alex.

Notable absentee is the double 1999 and 2010 Champion Alastair Cavenagh who has announced that he will be skipping the Voi tour.

Cavenagh will be away competing in a gruelling Iron Man competition (swim 1.9km, cycle 90km plus half marathon combined) to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis in Mallorca, Spain.

“It is a shame that I will miss yet another round of the Championship,” said Cavenagh who missed the first round due to injury.

Chager leads the KNRC 2013 series with 140 points ahead of Anwar and  Tundo who have so far garnered 90 and 80 points respectively.

Six national titles and multiple victories have established Duncan as the most successful driver among frontrunners.