It’s all systems go for KCB Rally in Meru

By ERICK OCHIENG’

Rally drivers are gearing up for the KCB Simba Savings Rally to be held in Meru at the weekend.

The Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Series has attracted 42 drivers and series leader, Alistair Cavenagh, is hoping to retain the lead when the event kicks off in Meru.

Out of the 42 drivers, 34 have enlisted in the Main Class, lead by Cavenagh with 190 points. Eight drivers will be battling it out in the 2WD Class, led by defending champion Leonardo Varese. The cars will be scrutinised at the National Oil service station tomorrow morning, paving way for the flag-off outside the KCB Meru Branch at noon before the Spectator Stage at the Meru Showground.

The main rally begins on Saturday, with drivers going through Maua, Nkubu and other areas on the quest for the top spot. Series defending champion Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, who is seeded fifth ahead of 2008 winner Baldev Chager, 2008 is yet to have a good feel of the Meru route.

"I haven’t had a chance to rally in Meru properly, but if the roads are anything close to Embu and Nanyuki, then they will be good as long as theY are closed properly," said Tundo.

Apart from not finishing the KCB Safari Rally, Tundo is happy with his plans for title defence so far. The race is close among the top six cars, including Cavenagh, Chager, Ian Dancun, Tundo, Peter Horsey and Lee Rose. Chager, who raced in the Subaru N12, has been struggling this season but sits in the second spot.

The Meru leg makes up the fourth round of the 2010 KNRC series, which have been tricky, especially with rains changing the tune of the normally dry events.