SPEEDSTERS READY: Recce, scrutineering to kickstart Nanyuki Rally today

SportPesa rally team, Kigondu and Leonardo in their brand new gear, geared up for Nanyuki rally. In their own words, Nanyuki has traditionally been good to us, we trust that this year will be the same.

Sportsman’s Arms Hotel in Nanyuki will be a beehive of activity today (Friday) as pre-event checks and recce kick-start the programme of the fifth round of the Kenya National Rally Championship.

While mechanics will be taking cars through scrutineering at Sportsman’s Arms, drivers and navigators will be out on reconnaissance to familiarise with the rally route.

Scritineering will be conducted by KMSF Technical Delegate Musa Locho, who will be assisted by local Ken Nteere, son of the late rally driver Washington Nteere.

Nanyuki Rally will run entirely on private land sections traversing Lengetia near Naro Moru, Loldaiga near Timau and Batian View just around Nanyuki town.

The rally will be flagged off on Saturday at 7:00am outside KCB Nanyuki branch. Lengetia stage will be run once, Loldaiga repeated twice with Batian View on the foothills of Mount Kenya being run thrice as the designated spectator stage. A total of 36 drivers have entered the event.

Meanwhile, drivers are upbeat in the run-up to Saturday’s action.

KNRC Division 1 driver Manvir Baryan hopes to secure a podium finish in his Ford Fiesta R5 and this is what he had to say while putting final touches to his preparations: “Driver and car are now in sync. Our strategy is full attack and we are hoping for a podium in Nanyuki.”

Two-wheel-drive leader Alex Lairang’i said he will push where he can and pray to remain on the 2WD summit.

“I believe rallying is just about getting to the finish line and gathering some additional points. Our plan this season is to remain focused and consistent. We also hope to take it easy and clean, push where we can,” Lairang’i said.