Rough and tumble of Kajiado Rally: Manvir closer to KNRC summit after win as Duncan regains lead

Rough and tumble of Kajiado Rally hits drivers

KCB RALLY Ian Duncan navigated by Kavit Dave powers his Mitsubishi Evo 10 at the Blue Steel Mill section during the KCB-KMSC rally in Kajiado, on May 3, 2015. [PHOTO:COURTESY]

Baryan biggest mover as contestants left battered but looking ahead to Nanyuki to make amends.

MRT star Manvir Baryan has moved up from fourth to second position in the Kenya National Rally Championship series after winning the Fly540 RSC Rally in Kajiado over the weekend.

Ian Duncan limped on three wheels to last service at Champagne Park, but still returned to the top of the log on 72 points.

Fourth overall after a rough and tough day wasn’t that bad for “old boy” Duncan who is now 3 points ahead of Manvir.

Duncan led the KNRC after Safari Rally and is back on top of things after Tapio Laukkanen stumbled on the Kajiado rockery.

Tapio (multiple punctures) and Carl Tundo (oil pump problems) are still top contenders despite failing to master the demanding terrain which started off from the famous Corner Baridi after a ceremonial start in Nairobi and ended at Champagne Park in Kipeto in spectacular fashion.

After the win, Manvir promised to push a lot more in the second half of the season which starts in Nanyuki next month.

Manvir won the season opening Mombasa Rally, but lost the lead to Duncan and Tapio as the first half of the season progressed.

“We will continue to push for more wins now that the car is proving reliable. I really enjoyed the rally and indeed my second career victory,” said Manvir, who powered his Skoda Fabia R5 machine to victory when punctures stymied Tapio’s run.

Tapio led Manvir by 2:07minutes margin after the 84km four-stage loop prior to punctures galore which didn’t just irk the Flying Finn, but affected his good run on his title defence.

“It was smooth sailing but going into the second loop it was puncture after puncture. We really have to go back to the drawing board and reexamine things like tyre pressure and stuff,” said Tapio’s navigator Gavin Laurence.

Karan Patel won the KNRC Division 1 in a career best 3rd overall with Farhaaz Khan finishing 5th and second behind the former in the division.

Outgoing Two Wheel Drive champion Eric Bengi also savoured a career best 6th position after a rather jinxed season.

Raaji Bharij, a former Pirelli star driver, won the Classic car category in seven overall position behind the wheel of a Ford Escort MK1.

Jonathan Somen and Richard Hechle in a Ford Escort finished second in the classic category ahead of Ben Woodhams in a Ford Capri.

Leonardo Varese won the Two-Wheel Drive Class.