Duncan in charge as rally enters Arusha

By A Correspondent

Ian Duncan’s steady drive up the leader board continued on Day Three of the 2009 Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally after setting fastest times in the three stages leading to the rest halt in Arusha.

The Goodyear-sponsored driver reported no major incidents with his Ford Mustang coming into the Tanzanian sector.

After near misses in the last two editions and desperate to win the world’s toughest rally, Gerard Marcy’s woes continued to haunt the Belgian after stopping for over 40 minutes in the second stage.

Ian Duncan and navigator Amaar Slatch in a Ford Mustang on his way to Arusha on Tuesday. Photo: Romana/Standard

His Porsche had encountered electrical problems which were later rectified for him to continue with the rally. He had dropped to 15th position. Bjorn Waldegaard maintained his second place coming into Arusha driving a Porsche 911 with his sponsor and navigator Iqbal Sagoo.

Wayne Kieswetter and Steve Harris were the first casualties of the event after they rolled their Datsun 180B in the second stage. Kieswetter is suspected to have injured his left shoulder. Reports said he was to be flown back to South Africa for specialised treatment.

Their teammates Roddy Sachs and his Kenyan navigator Denis Mathews had similar misfortune when they rolled their Datsun in the next stage.

Meanwhile, ALS Team driver Aslam Khan was a frustrated man after his Ford Escort stopped with electrical failure on Day Two.

Once they were able to limp out of the stage, they faced further delays due to transmission failure.

His car was towed to the service park where complete repairs were. Mechanics worked on the car until 4am. A new gearbox was fitted enabling the crew to continue with the rest of the competition into Day Three where they were in 18th position.

Kishen Bandheri said he was adjusting to the new navigator after Jaspal Matharu was forced to go back home to attend a family funeral arrangement.