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 4×4 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 4×4 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 4×4 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 4×4 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.
Courtesy of Standard Digital News