Carl Tundo stretches lead in KNRC standings after victory in Nanyuki Rally

Carl Tundo navigated by Timothy Jessop driving Volkswagen Polo Evo cruises through Oserian section during WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2021 at Oserian section in Naivasha on June 25, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Carl Tundo, co-driven by Tim Jessop, clocked 1:50:52.5 to win the seventh leg of the Kenya National Rally Championships (KNRC) in Nanyuki at the weekend.

The Top Fry Racing speedster triumphed in the competition despite a five minute penalty after getting assistance from Jammeet Chana after his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, stalled at the CS6 Greystone 2 TC End.

The victory stretched Tundo’s lead in the series with only two legs to go. Aakif Virani of Arrow Rally Team emerged second in 1:51:22.8.

The Skoda Fabia driver was cautious with the tough Nanyuki terrains, evading threatening obstacles that could have derailed his times as he raced to  score a personal best in his KNRC career.

Uganda-based Amaanraj Rai, navigated by Kisumu’s Gurdeep Panesar, completed the podium dash in a KNRC career best third place (1:52:06.8.)

Defending champion, Baldev Chager, found the going tough, finishing a distant tenth in 2:07:55.4 after he was slapped with a whooping 20 minutes penalty.

Charger had led the pack in the early morning, but picked up a puncture in the second loop.

All ladies crew of Maxine Wahome and Linet Ayuko were ninth overall in 2:07:15.8.

“Our aim this season is to finish the rally and bring the vehicle home in one piece,” Ayuko said ahead of the event.