Changes of navigators stir Eldoret Rally

By Feverpitch Reporter

Eldoret was abuzz with activity with a huge change of navigators expected to add some fresh start to the KCB Biashara Banking Rally.

The Rally will be flagged off by area MP William Ruto at 7am today outside the KCB Eldoret West Branch along Uganda Road. They will encounter a 14km liasion distance through to CS1 (21Km) Sergoit-Iten stage and onward to the Iten football ground for first service.

After Saturday’s heavy downpour, drivers and navigators sounded happy in the wake of an early morning reconnaissance with the general impression being that the all-weather roads around the Kerio Valley would be passable.

Organiser, Bipin Taylor, was optimistic that the rains would make the roads even better. It will be interesting though, seeing how veteran drivers would adjust as they plot to bond with their new navigators.

Lee Rose had to change his navigator after his Timau based partner Piers Daykin was held up at work.

Rose will instead sit with Atul Kochhal ,who won the muddy rally in Athi River in 2007.

Alastair Cavenagh, the 1999 Kenya champion, has turned to Gavin Laurence after Mombasa-based Saleem Haji opted out due to commitments.

Veteran co-driver Frank Gitau has moved in to call Alex Horsey’s pace notes, while 2WD navigator Zahir Shah will sit with Division Two prospect Izhar Mirza. Peter Horsey caused a stir with his new Mitsubishi EVO 10, the latest in Kenyan.

A total of 42 drivers including three foreigners — Moses Matovu of Uganda, Iain Freeston of Great Britain and Jas Mangat will take part in the season opening round of Western Kenya Motor Club.

Clerk of the Course Ravi Taylor foresaw smooth, rough, rocky and twisty conditions. The 2WD contender Charles Hinga said the rocks in the latter stages will call for extra caution.

"The fifth and last stage around Singore is rocky going down into the valley, but we are not disadvantaged because it wasn’t muddy after Saturday’s downpour," Hinga said.

The rally is also incorporating newcomers, most of them coming through the San Valencia-sponsored KRDA Rally school.

Kioni Racing’s David Kioni and Mwangi Waithaka will make their debut in the 2WD class and so is Eldoret-based Khalid Umar, who is teaming up with his uncle Shakil Umar.

Raymond Karoki, also a member Kioni Racing, is making his debut.