Sportsman’s Arms Hotel in Nanyuki will be a beehive of activity today as pre-event checks and recce kickstarts the programme of the Kenya National Rally Championship fifth round.
While mechanics will be taking cars through sctutineering at the Sportsman’s Arms, drivers and navigators will be out on reconnaissance to try and familiarise themselves with the route course.
The scrutineering will be conducted by KMSF Technical Delegate Musa Locho who will be assisted by Ken Nteere, son of late rally driver Washington Nteere.
The Nanyuki Rally will run entirely on private land sections traversing Lengetia near Naro Moru and Loldaiga near Timau and Batian View around Nanyuki town.
The rally will be flagged off on Saturday at 7 am outside the KCB Nanyuki branch. The Lengetia stage will be run once, Loldaiga twice and Batian View on the foothills of Mount Kenya thrice as the designated spectator stage.
A total of 36 drivers have entered the event.Meanwhile, drivers are upbeat in the run up to Saturdays action.
KNRC Division 1 driver Manvir Baryan hopes to secure a podium spoit in his Ford Fiesta R5. “Driver and car are now in sync. Our strategy is full attack and we are hoping for a podium in Nanyuki,” Manvir said.
Two wheel drive leader Alex Lairang’i said he will push where we can and pray to remain on the 2WD summit!
“I believe rallying is just about getting to the finish line and gathering some additional points. Our plan this season is to remain focused and consistent.
We also hope to take it easy and clean, push where we can and pray that we keep leading until we lay our hands on the 2016 2WD Championship,” Lairang’i said.
KNRC Division 1 leader Onkar Singh Rai is equally hoping for the best in Nanyuki.
“I’m just looking for a clean and quick run after the silly mistakes which cost us a good position in Voi. We have now come to grips with the new car and its all systems go for the team in Nanyuki this weekend,” he said.
Amaanraj Rai is making a comeback and is upbeat ahead of the challenge from brother Rajbir Rai.
Rajbir and Amaanraj, siblings of the legendary two time Kenya champion Sarbi Rai are among the fastest rising rally drivers in the KNRC.
Amaanraj will drive a Mitsubishi N10 and Rajbir a Ford Fiesta R5.
“I have not driven the car for 10 months, so definitely I feel rusty. But I’m just aiming to finish and get back into the rhythm for the remaining rallies,” said Amaanraj.
Title contender Sammy Nyorri believes its too early to predict on the championship and