Flying Singh rules: Chager retains the KNRC as Duncan wins Guru Nanak

KNRC Champion Baldev Chager cruises in a past rally. Chager yesterday successfully retained his title despite Ian Duncan winning the Guru Nanak Rally in Naivasha. [PHOTO: FILE:STANDARD]

Baldev Singh Chager successfully retained the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) title despite an early retirement from the KCB Guru Nanak Rally in Naivasha yesterday.

Ian Duncan, navigated by Amaar Slatch in a XADO-sponsored Nissan Patrol, emerged the winner of the final leg of the KNRC, which was held at Buffalo Mall in Naivasha.

Duncan beat Rajbir Rai (Mitsubishi EVOX's) by just two seconds to register his first top podium spot in the season in one of his traditional "monster pick-ups" that have previously cleared the ground with all and sundry.

But Duncan's win was overshadowed by Chager's championship victory during the event organised by the Sikh Union.

Chager had his championship success gifted in the early morning loop when Carl "Flash" Tundo, his closest pursuant, retired on competitive stage two. Tundo was forced out of the rally due to fuel-related problems.

"A few kilometres in the stage when we saw Tundo's car by the roadside we actually stopped to say sorry to him because we knew the championship was wrapped up and in the bag," said Chager.

Chager retired on the transport road section as he was motoring towards the repeat run of Sleeping Warrior stage.

"The car has been malfunctioning all this time and we were not going fast. We came into service and thought we had the problem sorted out but the car kept misfiring on the transport section so we opted to retire," said Chager.

Chager wraps up the season with 360 points while Tundo settles for second place in the final standings with 326 points.

Chager's navigator Ravi Soni could afford a smile after their success but was left to rue winning the championship on a low note.

"It's not the best way to win the championship. It was disappointing for Flash to retire. We also had issues all day but at the end of the day it's the championship points that count.

"Its always good to come out and have fun and the good fun. It's a bit of a disappointment in that respect but all the same we retain our championship," said Ravi.

The rally claimed a few casualties including the two Proton S2000s of Tundo and Alastair Cavenagh. Other were Hussein Malik and Jassi Chatthe, who retired on competitive stage six. Manvir Baryan finished the rally third, followed by Raaji Bhajir and Karan Patel in fifth.

Karan was all smiles after winning the KNRC Division Three and S Class championships. Leonardo Varese recaptured the Two-Wheel-Drive championship despite Dennis Mwenda winning the Guru Nanak.