Tundo wins Nanyuki leg, emerges second in KNRC standings this season

Baldev Chager 'Boldy' of Kabras Rally Team prepares to test-drive his Porsche 911 ahead of the start of Top Fry Classic safari rally at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, July 30, 2019. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Defending Champion Carl Flash Tundo secured his first win of the season in KCB Nanyuki Rally to move to second place on the Kenya National Rally Championship log.

Navigated by Tim Jessop in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo10, Tundo proved his mettle on long stages leading the Nanyuki Rally Group round of KNRC from start to finish.

But Baldev Singh Chager, also driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo10, returned second. African Champion Manvir Baryan, in a Skoda Fabia R5, came third after struggling to navigate through the long stretches at Loldaiga.

Tundo and Chager won three stages apiece. But it was Tundo who had the last laugh with a 38 second advantage. Manvir was left to rue a one minute penalty when he checked into first service a minute early.

Tundo was fast in the first loop and led the rally by a 50 seconds margin from Chager.

The five-time Safari Rally winner beat Chager by a three seconds margin in the early morning along the Loldaiga Hills 31km stage.

On the long 50km Ndovu stage, Tundo beat Chager by 32 seconds but going into the designated 2.3km spectator Stage at Batian View Chager beat Tundo by a second.

Chager took the repeat run of Loldaiga and cut Tundo’s lead to 31 seconds. Tundo then bounced back to win the repeat run of the long Ndovu stage.

The event claimed quite a number of drivers including Onkar Rai and McRae Kimathi. Tundo admitted that missing out on Mombasa leg makes it difficult for him to retain the title.

“I am still in the hunt for the Championship but missing out on Mombasa makes it difficult for me to catch up with Chager. I am excited with the win.i It’s always to be at the top,” he said.

Chager said: “I am happy to finish second. Flash (Tundo) was fast. The 50km stage was technical. Our main focus now is the championship and we hope to continue with the same spirit,” said Chager.

Manvir’s navigator Drew Sturrock said they struggled quite a bit on the long slippery stages. “We had issue in the morning run. The conditions were slippery but got better in the second loop,” said Sturrock.