TUNDO TAKES LEAD: 1000 Classic Rally off to dusty start in Baringo

Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo who was co-driven by Jim Jessop in a Triumph TR7 took the overnight lead as the inaugural Top Fry 1000 Classic Rally began yesterday in Baringo County.

Tundo, who was flagged off in second place made an impressive start recording the fastest times in three out of the four competitive sections to win day one contest.

He finished in a time of 3 hours, 19 minutes and 36 seconds 6.17 earlier than Geoff Bell navigated by Tim Allen who came in second in their Datsun 240Z.

After completing his task for the day, an elated Tundo said that he was glad to have finished without difficulties.

“Day one was good we finished without experiencing problems although the very last 100km were long, rough and car breaking.

“It was tough but we had fun doing double of regular rally time,” he said.

He said he goes into the second day of competition today optimistic of a good show.

“It is just the beginning, we still have two more days and anything can happen in a competition. My father and sister are also racing; my wife, kids and the entire family are here so for us. It is a good family affair.”

Going into today’s challenge, Tundo said that the strategy is to remain focused. “It will be a new day and a new test, we just need to remain focused and take it easy.”

David Maslen driving a Porsche 911 and navigated by Arshad Khan came in third in a time of 3:26.39 while Raaji Bharji and Rajay Sehmi in a Ford Escort MK1 were fourth in a time of 3:42.38.

Maslen and Khan emerged the fastest in the second competitive section.

Jonathan Savage co-driven by Kieren Day in a Datsun 240Z was fifth (3:45.04) whereas United Kingdom’s Richard Arrowsmith navigated by Norris Midwood was sixth after clocking 3:47.8. Alistair Cavenagh, who was flagged off first returned his car in eighth position.

Not threatened by her male opponents, South Africa’s Lola Velarque co-driven by Edward Verlaque was firm and determined in her VW Golf.

She was the only female contestant but she could not let that deter her from doing what she loves most.

She said that she had driven over 4600km from South Africa and was ready to go all the way to the last day.