SURVIVAL FOR THE FITTEST:Stage set for inaugural Top Fry 1000 Classic Rally

Raaji Bharij in action in the Classic safari Rally

One of Kenya's most decorated rally drivers Ian Duncan is optimistic that Lady Luck will smile on him as he seeks to win the inaugural Top Fry 1000 Classic Rally.

Duncan, navigated by Amar Slatch in a Ford Capri 3100 V6, will be up against a stellar cast of local and foreign contestants in the event that starts tomorrow in Baringo.

Duncan said he is confident of performing well in the race, but hopes his Ford Capri will not let him down.

"I am going to this competition with an open mind and ready for any eventualities. My Ford Capri has broken down in past competitions, which forced me to pull out, but I hope for the best."

The competition has brought together 38 top rally drivers, but Carl Tundo and Alastair Cavenagh stand out as some of the favourites in the three-day extravaganza.

Duncan pulled out of last year's East African Safari Classic Rally in the last minute after the camshaft of his Ford Capri developed problems.

He finished fourth in this year's KCB Safari Rally, which was won by Japreet Chatthe. Rajbir Rai finished second, while Tapio Laukkanen was third.

Competitors in the rally, which is organised by Rift Valley Motor Sports Club, will cover about 1,000km around Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties. Drivers will compete in FIA Class 1 that includes 1600cc, FIA Class 2 (2000cc) and FIA class 3 (3000cc) cars.

The entries include four from United Kingdom and three from South Africa. Motor Sport bigwig Cavenagh and his navigator Gavin Laurence, in a Porsche 911, will lead the main class, followed by Tundo and Jim Jessop in a Triumph TR7.

Others in the main class are South Africa's Geoff Bell co-driven by Tim Challan in a Datsun 260Z, Raaji Bharji and Rajan Sehmi in a Ford Escort MK1and Frank Tundo, navigated by Tash Tundo, in a Triumph TR7.

UK's Richard Arrowsmith and Norris Midwood, driving a Ford Escort MK2, highlight the second class category. Kailesh Chauhan and Tarik Malik (Ford Escort MK2), Jim Heather-Hayes and Ron Hechle (Mercedes 450) and Jonathan Savage navigated by Kieren Day will also take part.

Adrenaline will be at fever pitch as drivers attempt to outdo each other on the smooth, yet technical and demanding roads.

Crews will each cover 300km daily. The objective of the race is to have an affordable, compact classic rally.

The event's title sponsors are Menengai Oil Refineries through their brand Top Fry, while The Standard Group are the co-sponsors.

Others are Toyota Kenya, Intra Africa Assurance, Coca Cola. The rally scrutineering will be held today at the Lake Bogoria Spa, which will also be the starting and finishing point.