BY SAMSON ATEKA
LEADER Baldev Singh Chager has predicted a fierce duel between himself and Menengai Oil speed merchant Carl “Flash” Tundo when the 7th and penultimate KCB Kisumu Rally on October 18 takes the 2014 title battle to a critical stage.
The Kabras Sugar Racing duo Chager, also known as ‘Boldy’ and his co-driver Ravi Soni have the chance to enhance their chase for both drivers’ and navigators’ titles at the Equator Motor Club organised round of the 2014 Kenya National Rally Championship in Chemase. Team-mates Onkar Rai and Tejvir Rai will be going all out for top 10 positions.
While victory on the gravel roads through Chemase stages could be favourable for Chager and Soni to up their title chase with a round to spare after Kisumu, Tundo will be pushing hard for a win, which would keep Menengai Oil title hopes alive.
Both Chager and Tundo fought a breathtaking battle in the 62nd Safari Rally but Tundo’s spirited run was hit by an excruciating Day 2 puncture. Tundo’s comeback on the second day of Safari saw him slash Chager’s 2.5 minutes lead to 1.11minutes after the last stage at Batian.
“The fans can look forward to another thrilling episode of the duel between the champ and the challenger,” said Chager at BHP Performance workshop in Lavington Nairobi where the three Kabras EVOXs are being prepared.
All Kabras team members have upgraded from Subaru N16 to EVOXs with Chager winning two rounds in Machakos and Safari. Tundo emerged the victor in Malindi and Kiambu while Rajbir Rai and Jassi Chatthe secured their maiden victories in Nakuru and Nanyuki respectively.
Chager and Tundo have recently proved they are in a league of their own on gravel, although they have also had their challenges. Chager retired in Nanyuki while Tundo failed to finish in Eldama Ravine (Nakuru Rally).
Tundo, who is driving a Menengai Oil-sponsored Proton Neo Satria S2000, is determined to rack up his third win of the season and the lead he had enjoyed after winning the season opening Malindi round. “Having won the Safari Rally, we at Kabras Sugar Racing can now focus fully on this truly extraordinary duel, which has been the story of the season,” Chager said. Kisumu Rally promises to be another highlight of the KCB KNRC season.
Last year’s Kisumu Rally was won by Tundo but Chager who suffered an early puncture was compelled to attack to make up time for his puncture problems.
With only two rounds remaining this year, the KNRC points permutations in Kisumu are straight forward. For Chager and Tundo to secure the title, they must score highly and ensure nothing unexpected happens.
Courtesy of the-star.co.ke