Tundo wins KCB Micro Banking Rally in Nyeri

By Feverpitch Reporter

Carl "Flash" Tundo is the winner of the season opening KCB Micro Banking Rally in Nyeri.

After skipping the season-ending Mombasa Rally in December and winning the penultimate Guru Nanak Rally in November last year, Tundo promised that he would launch a vigorous comeback and win more rallies this season.

And his plans got off to a flying start in the Mount Kenya region when he and his navigator Tim Jessop racked up a maximum 80 points on the ex-Lola Varlaque Mitsubishi lancer evo9.

Leo Varese won the 2WD followed by defending champion James Kirimi.

"I was really working hard to beat Alastair (Cavenagh) on the stage times and I am happy that it went on well," said Tundo. Defending champion Ian Duncan was left to rue a puncture on CS9 but drove on it to the end of the section and finished second.

Alastair Cavenagh sealed the podium dash while Baldev Chager and his partner Raju Sehmi raced the Oilibya/Kabras Subaru N16 machine to fourth overall place.

Chager said: "I have now come to grips with the Subaru N16 but I got frustrated by being first on the road but I am happy to be back to the finish in one piece. The gravel was also very loose and it was really tough for me," said Chager.

Spectators in Nyeri were treated to some exhilarating displays of rallying artistry as they had the opportunity to view rally cars at full action on the Ruring’u super special stage.

Cavenagh, who went to bed with a 1 second overnight lead from Peter Horsey at Saturday, had to contend with a puncture on CS9.

"The rally went on well apart from the puncture which dropped me down. Otherwise I was going for second overall place," said Cavenagh who was navigated by Gavin Laurence.

Azar Anwar was happy with fifth overall place but admitted that the competition was fast and furious.

The event is co-sponsored by Fly 540, iWay Africa, Car Track and Highlands Mineral water Limited. The next event heads to Marigut and Mogotio on March 10.