Baldev Chager holds onto vital lead with 123 points

Baldev Chager in past rally action in Naivasha. [Stafford Ondego/www.Sportpicha.com]

Despite finishing second to Carl Flash Tundo in the KCB Nanyuki Rally over the weekend, experienced Baldev Chager maintained his leadership in the Kenya National Rally Championships.

Chager, who drove a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo10, timed one hour, 47minutes and 5 seconds to finish behind KNRC defending champion Tundo.

Despite finishing runner-up, Chager is still at the summit of the KNRC Standings after Nanyuki with 123 points.

Chager was delighted with his second-place finish as it helped him consolidate his Championship lead at the start of the second half of the series. 

“I’m happy to have finished second. Flash (Tundo) drove like a man possessed. The 50km stage was too technical. Our main focus now is the Championship and we are hoping to continue in the same spirit and fashion,” Chager said.

The weekend’s victory by Tundo, who was navigated by Tim Jessop in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo10 finishing after 1hour 46 minutes and 27 seconds, was a good omen to the Nakuru-based farmer, as he battles to narrow the gap between him and Chager.

Tundo did not compete in the Mombasa rally held last month.

His Nanyuki victory, which was his first this season, catapulted him to the second position with 96 points ahead of African Rally champion Manvir Baryan.

Baryan, who drove a Skoda Fabia R5 finishing third in the Nanyuki Rally in 01;47.46, is also third in the overall standings with 91 points.

Tejveer Rai, who drove a Mistubishi Lancer Evo10 finishing fifth in the grueling weekend race in 02:00.39, is fourth in the overall standings with 63 points ahead of former National Champion Ian Duncan, who has 38 points.

Onkar Rai failed to finish the rally alongside McRae Kimathi.