By Samson Ateka
TWO-time former 2WD champion Leonardo Varese has withdrawn from the forthcoming KCB Mobi Bank Nyeri Rally on April 6-7 citing delays in the arrival of his new Toyota RSI car. The Formula Two driver said he is looking forward to some fresh impetus into his racing career, hence the need for the upgrade. He categorically stated that the new machine should put him in a good position to remain on the summit of the game.Varese admitted that he was finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the space of his F2 adversalaries in his old VW Golf GTI, which he has put up for sale.“We would have done Nyeri with the Golf but it is difficult to fight against drivers with new machines. The new car will probably be here well in time for Voi Rally,” he said. Varese’s new car is a ready front wheel rally car from Toyota South Africa with an engine capacity of 1600cc.
Meanwhile, Varese’s withdrawal and intended comeback is causing ripples within the 2WD class fraternity.GurmitThethy, who is entering a VW Golf in Nyeri described Varesea good driver and always a threat to anyone in 2WD.While many drivers are ditching VWs, Gurmit said he has no intensions of upgrading to a different make. “Good to see some new cars coming into the scene. Well, everyone has his or her own liking and budges so it depends on what one wants. VWs’ are high maintenance machines. They are the oldest machines currently in the 2WD category. Yet we are also competing with the tail- enders of Division 3 depending on where one is seeded. So it’s all a different game set depending on where one is placed,” said Gurmit. Dennis Mwenda said Varese will be the man to beat, but added that he shouldn’t rest on his laurels. “He is a good driver but he will have to fight it hard to beat some of us,” Said Mwenda. Series leader of the 2WD Adnan Suhail will be compelled to pull up his socks if he harbours any hopes of out-classing his opponents. Scrutineering will be done on April 6 followed by the ceremonial flagging off outside the KCB branch the same day from 1 pm. The Nyeri tour will feature 10 competitive stages totaling 188km with the spectator stage set at Kabiru-ini ASK Showground that is also the venue for the prize-giving ceremony on April 7.
Courtesy of The Star (Tuesday 2, 2013)