Drivers set for Endurance test

By Gilbert Wandera

Ian Duncan, three times reigning Kenya National Rally Champion Carl Tundo and John Kanyali will be entering their cars in this Sunday’s Athi 4x4 Challenge in Swara Plains Conservancy.

Over 40 cars are expected to sample the mud and quarry sections in an event organised by Phil Tilley and Gray Cullen.

Tundo, who is making his debut in off-road competition, is currently working on a Pajero contraption which he intends to use in this year’s Rally Raid series. Duncan, on the other hand, is expected ruffle feathers in his Toyota Land Cruiser which has won the Rhino Charge and Rob’s Magic Quattro Charge previously.

Kanyali will be entering a Jeep christened ‘The Beast of All the Beasts’.

“I’m coming there to clear the ground with all my opponents,” said Kanyali.

The Intermediate class has attracted the likes of Ian Anderson in his Range Rover Classic machine and Gemma Lawrence among others.

The venue to the 4x4 Challenge is located just off Mombasa Road in the Small World Country Club entrance opposite Lukenya and Daystar University.

The event, according to head of organising committee Gray Cullen, promises to be a real treat for all 4x4 lovers as the competition is designed with spectators in mind.

“It’s a real energy-sapping affair which tests the drivers’ ability to drive over difficult terrain,” said Cullen. Cullen, who has been working to ensure logistics are in place said: “The event will be full of fun and will give 4x4 competitors a chance to try out their cars before this year’s Rhino Charge.”

Muddy sections

“With this amount of spectators anticipated, there will be plenty of interesting rocky and muddy sections to clear in front of a big crowd – thrills and spills are guaranteed.”

“Given the rough and rocky nature of the preferred terrain, the choice of tyres will be crucial, and the machines will certainly be put to the test in the expert category, although those who wish to enter their unmodified 4x4s can enter the Intermediate category for guaranteed fun without the risk of damaging their cars,” he added.

Cullen said the intermediate class will feature eight sections which must also be tackled by experts in the morning programme.

Real action will, however, be in the afternoon when experts descend upon six section which will be the toughest 4x4 affair ever held in the Athi Plains. 

The intermediates can only be won by participants using standard 4x4’s and  modified 4x4 machines  will only be eligible to win the expert section.

Quad bike entries and junior drivers will also be taking on the intermediate sections in the event which will be sponsored by General Motors, Superior Homes, Pepsi, Xtryme, Dalbit Oil, Chloride Exide and Rob’s Magic among others.