Drivers gear up for exciting KCB Eldoret rally

At least 40 drivers are expected to square it out during the KCB sponsored Eldoret Rally scheduled for Saturday October 8 2016.

Coming hot on the heels of the Nanyuki Rally in August, organisers said the outing is touted as the most adventurous this season.

The rally will be flagged off outside KCB Eldoret Branch on Saturday morning, before the drivers head to Elgeyo Marakwet County for the final stages in Moiben and for the prize giving in Iten.

“We have seen heightened interest among the drivers for this round. The Eldoret Rally is one of the most competitive and popular events in the calendar of motorsport in Kenya and as a bank we are enthusiastic in supporting motor sports in the country,” said Angela Mwirigi, KCB marketing and Communications Director during a press briefing held on Wednesday to launch the rally. “

The sixth round of the KCB rally will see some of the contenders fight for top honours as the series gets to the home-stretch. Finland’s ace Tapio Laukannen is expected back in the country ahead of the outing as well as Manvir Bryan who has been in the UK.

“We are looking forward to the Eldoret outing with great expectations and our focus will be to drive as fast as we can in the early stages and hope to extend the lead in the remaining stages,” said Tapio who is currently topping the Kenya National Rally Championship standings, ahead of local ace Jaspreet Chatthe.

Local drivers Chatthe, Ian Duncan, Baldev Chagger and Onkai Rai will offer stiff competition to Tapio as the battle for the podium finish gets underway. Meanwhile two Ugandan drivers Hassan Alwi and Duncan Mubiru will also feature.

The battle in the 2WD action will be the centre of attraction and is set to intensify after Sammy Nyorri upgraded his Toyota RunX ahead of the outing. Nyorri will be competing against Erick Bengi and Leonardo Varese as all the drivers focus on racking up major points before the season comes to a close.

According to the Clerk of Course Frank Gitau, it’s all systems go for the rally. “We have graded the route afresh and it will be a tough challenge for the drivers as they crisscross the two counties. The new route will be more exciting and competitive for the drivers”, said Gitau.