TAPIO FOR MOMBASA RALLY

Tapio Laukkanen and co-driver Pasi Torma navigate through Chemweno farm in Moi Ben, Uasin Gishu during the KCB Rally on October 8, 2016. Tapio Laukkanen won the competition. [PHOTO:STAFFORD ONDEGO/WWW.SPORTPICHA.COM]

This year’s Mombasa Rally slated for January 28 at Vipingo Mombasa Cement has already attracted 31 drivers.

They include last year’s Kenya National Rally Champion (KNRC) Tapio Laukkanen.

Laukkanen, who is yet to name his navigator, will battle-seasoned drivers including four-time KNRC champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, Baldev ‘Singh’ Chager and Ian Duncan.

Duncan will be off the ramp first in an Evolution 10 machine as Tundo, navigated by Tim Jessop will be foraging on a Ford Fiesta Proto. Chager also be driving an Evolution 10 aided by Ravi Soni in the event.

“We have planned to enter our Ford Fiesta in the contest, but before we do that we will be redoing all the wiring,” said Jessop.

At the same time Ali Mirza is set to make debut as Coast Peeke team confirms three cars in the Mombasa Rally event. He is the youngest member of the Coast Pekee team.

Mirza, who started his racing career with go karts at GP Karting Nairobi, Nakuru’s Solai and Mombasa Go Kart tracks, will drive his father’s Subaru GC8 which has over the years been synonymous with the Mirzas.

Coast Pekee team principal Mzee Ajaz Mirza also confirmed the participation of his other two sons-Izhar (Izzy) and Adil.

Adil will be navigated by Kashif Sheikh in an Evo7 whist Izhar, the fastest of the Mirza family will partner Kavit Dave in a Mitsubishi Evolution 9.

Yusuf Pasta of Roadtainers Racing has a new navigator in Ahmed Rashid. Dennis Mwenda and Job Njiru have also confirmed their participation in their championship winning Silverspread Team Meru Evolution 9.

Also confirmed for the season opener are the reigning KNRC Division 3 champions, the Hai Rally Chix comprising of NatashaTundo and Chantal Young.

Karan Patel who participated in five rounds of the World Rally Championship (WRC) last year will be teaming up with James Mwangi Harrison in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10.