FLYING FINN DOES IT AGAIN: Terrain proves tough for competitors

Tapio Laukannen Finland's Tapio Laukannen and his navigator Pasi Torma in a Subaru Impreza during the KCB Safari Rally in Voi on July 23. PHOTO: CORRESPONDENT

Flying Finn Tapio Laukannen driving a Subaru Impreza GVB 13 emerged the winner in the fourth round of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship which revisited historic terrain in Taita Taveta County. Navigated by compatriot Passi Torma, the Flying Finn savored his second win of the season after the season opening Kajiado Rally in February.

Defending champion Jaspreet Chatthe came home second navigated by Gugu Panesar in a Mitsubishi Evolution 10.

Third was the the big name and 1994 Safari Rally winner Ian Duncan in Group N Mitsubishi Evolution 10.

The rally, organised by Mombasa Motor Club, didn’t just bring the eight-leg series to its halfway stage but treated spectators to some exhilarating displays.

Quite a number of drivers did not survive the demanding course and one of the biggest causalities was Baldev Chager who retired in the opening stage in Kishushe when his Evo10 went off the road.

Farhaaz Khan also retired on Maungu long stage when he took a jump too fast and ripped the exhaust.

“We later realised that the exhaust was too close to the fuel tank and based on safety, we decided to call it a day,” Farhaaz said.

Both Carl Tundo and Manvir Baryan had their two Fiestas catch fire at different points though all the crews are safe.

According to reports, the cars had gathered dry grass underneath which must have touched the hot parts of the machines to cause an impact.

Izhar Mirza also out with electrical gremlins on CS1.

Eric Njogu bowed out with mechanical probs. Edward Maina retired in first service at Mwatate with a leaking gearbox.

Alex Lairang’i checked into first service after losing the intercom as well as gears 1 and 2. “We have actually struggled in the opening loop with multiple problems and had to resort to sign language,” Lairangi’s navigator Tonny Gichohi, said.

A total of 34 cars, led by Duncan, started from KCB Wundanyi Branch yesterday morning. The Kenya National Rally Championship series is sponsored by KCB with and Liquid Telecom, Red Bull and Toyota Kenya being partners.