Anwar Sidi Rally Magazine 2014, Issue 96 by Anwar Sidi

Sachania proves disabilities not inability fa c e b o o k . c o m /a n wa r. s i d i

w w w . a n w a r s i d i p h o t o g r a p h y . c o m

September 2014 | ISSUE NO. 96

Youngsters impress, oldguards rule the roost

anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

First World Rally Champion Bjorn Waldegaard dies aged 70

Jassi, Rajbir break the duck as new faces emerge in S class

Safari Rally To provide KNRC and ARC battlefield

End of the road for Kenya Safari Rally legend Joginder Singh

1 Send it for Sidis!

SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE NO. 96

History of Safari Rally

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SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE NO. 96

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4. KMSF CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE 5. MESSAGE FROM ORGANISING COMMITEE CHAIRMAN 6. EVENT DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE 7. MESSAGE FROM CLERK OF THE COURSE 8. THE ROUTE 10. MAPS, ITINERARY 14. ENTRY LIST 16. SAFARI RALLY TO PROVIDE KNRC AND ARC BATTLEFIELD 22. HISTORY OF SAFARI RALLY OPEN ROAD RALLYING AT ITS BEST 26. FIRST WORLD RALLY CHAMPION BJORN WALDEGAARD DIES AGED 70 28. END OF THE ROAD FOR KENYA SAFARI RALLY LEGEND JOGINDER SINGH 30. BAITES INSIDE!! 34. YOUNGSTERS IMPRESS, OLDGUARDS RULE THE ROOST 40. JASSI, RAJBIR BREAK THE DUCK AS NEW FACES EMERGE IN S CLASS 44. SACHANIA PROVES DISABILITIES NOT INABILITY

CREDITS

EDITOR Anwar Sidi PHOTOGRAPHY Anwar Sidi, www. anwarsidiphotography.com DESIGN AND LAYOUT Design Village Agency Limited ADVERTISING anwarsidi55@gmail.com, +254 722 786 714

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved. ®Anwar Sidi Rally Magazine and its distinctive logo are trademarks owned by Anwar Sidi. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of Anwar Sidi. Requests for permission should be directed to: anwarsidi55@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE NO. 96

KMSF CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

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anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

Contrary to travel advisory by some countries, I want to assure you all that Kenya is a safe destination for rallying. The rally stages are situated in very serene locations.” JS Vohra KMSF Chairman

ay I take this great opportunity to welcome all and sundry to the 62nd edition of the prestigious KCB Safari Rally. As you may all be aware, the Safari Rally, which is the longest running sporting event in Kenya today, has carved a niche for itself as it is increasingly attracting international attention and massive entries since time immemorial. Since being dropped from the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar in 2002 after dotting the global platform for a whopping 29 years, Safari Rally has stood out as the most auspicious event on the continent and remained an integral part of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) series which encompasses Ivory Coast, Madagascar, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and previously Zimbabwe. In 2007, the Fiat Abarth team of Umbetto

Scandola and Andrea Navara came calling with unique Grande Punto S2000 contractions which were not only a real spectacle to fans, but also added glamour to the event which ran as a round of the then all-new Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC); a second tier series to the WRC. South. Africans Jon Williams and Varlaque sisters Lola and Meagan raced a VW Polo S2000 machine. Five years down the line, our very own Carl Tundo and Alastair Cavenagh became the first drivers to race a Proton S2000 on African soil. Ladies and gentlemen, the ARC era has witnessed the devolution of drivers from as far a field as Japan, Italy, Belgium, South Africa, Zimbabwe just to name but a few. Names like Patrick Emonstpol, Hideaki Miyoshi, Conrad Rautenbach have featured prominently in the ARC Safari and contributed a great deal in uplifting the profile of the Safari as these foreign legions tussled for honours with zest and vigor against our very own home grown talent. Over the years, a mere mention of the word Safari would heighten the pulse rate of rally lovers worldwide and elicit considerable interest amongst hordes of local fans who view the old type cars zoom past many remote villages day and night. Its been a scintillating and nostalgic 62 years of adventure and this year’s edition isn’t expected to be an exception. Granted, while we acknowledge the success of the rally over the years, it would be foolhardy not to mention legendary names like Dave Anunda, Patrick Njiru, Marcus Gronholmn, Sebastian Loeb, Fabrizia Pons, Mitchell Mouton, Meschell Van Tongeren, Azar Anwar, Shekhar Metha, Joginder Singh, Bjorn Waldegard, Juha Kannkunen, Ian Duncan, the Tundos.... and the list is endless. Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s rally will be a complete contrast from tradition as it will be held in closed private farms roads away from the hustle and bustle of public roads. I want to assure all foreigners here for the Safari that an elaborate safety plan has been put in place more so confining spectators at one designated point which is known as “Batian View” and which is located at the foothills of Mt. Kenya. And contrary to travel advisory by some countries, I want to assure you all that Kenya is a safe destination for rallying. The rally stages are situated in very serene locations. What’s more, Kenya is an ideal tourist destination and given the tranquillity that is prevailing in the country, foreigners and locals should feel free to grace some of our picturesque sites and sample flora and fauna that is in abundance. For spectators, my humble appeal is that you all refrain from “drinking and driving” as it may lead to fatalities. Do not litter the spectator zone and let’s enjoy three days of high octane action. May the best driver win. Asanteni Sana. JS VOHRA KMSF CHAIRMAN

MESSAGE FROM ORGANISING COMMITEE CHAIRMAN

anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

There will be a designated position where the tarbad media will be positioned and they will be required to adhere with rally rules. What’s more, we are also working hand in hand with police to ensure drunken spectators are subjected to alcho-blow tests so anyone drinking during the rally will be doing it at their on peril. We have also carried out a campaign sensitize fans on keeping the environmental clean at all rimes. Do not litter the spectator stage and let’s enjoy a great Rafari Rally 2014.

Dr. Supi Soin Rallies Chairman

I wish to take this early opportunity to thank all volunteers, rally marshalls, controllers, stage commanders, mid-point monitors, medical team and all those who sacrificed their time to make this event a success.

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ts that time of the year when we all converge here to welcome crews and volunteers from various parts of the continent- and above all- celebrate the rigours of the “world’s toughest rally”. Its also the time of the season when rally excitement and anticipation is at its heightsthe opportune moment all and sundry savour ‘A Great African Experience’. Because we have had a two months lull since Nanyuki Rally, local teams have spent the better part of the recess period finetuning their machines and keeping them in pristine conditions. This is where the unsung heroes, like mechanics, team managers and other officials have strived to ensure a meticulous approach to what they love most. I want to attest at this juncture that standards have been set and only the sky’s the limit for us. For the first time in many editions, we are putting together an event that’s spectator and competitor friendly. Therefore crews shouldn’t worry of traffic on the route course. Unlike the times we started and finished the event at KICC, this time round we shall start there then head toward Nanyuki region but not without tackling stages off NairobiNanyuki highway. I wish to take this early opportunity to thank all volunteers, rally marshalls, controllers, stage commanders, mid-point monitors, medical team and all those who sacrificed their time to make this event a success. Being the Chairman of the organising committee, I want to admit that I’m wearing many hats!! I also serve as the chairman of the Rallies Commission charged with the onerous task to regulate the rally-sport in Kenya. The Rallies Commission has worked really hard to bolster the general organisation of KNRC this year. Top on the agenda has been to oversee a comprehensive safety plan which entails taking the rally- sport to private farm stages. We are enforcing a “park and walk policy” for all spectators who will in essence not interfere with rally traffic. No spectators will be allowed in private farms stages. To keep up with FIA requirements, we have set up a press centre adjacent to Rally HQs where media houses will receive information in real time. We have also accredited both local and foreign media and hope photographers will not place themselves in positions which are a danger to them or the competitions. Media safety and identification is key to us. All photographers will this time round wear tabards so that they are clearly visible at all times.

EVENT DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

EVENT DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Ladies and Gentlemen,

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anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

s Event Director of the 62nd KCB Safari Rally 2014, I want to take this opportunity to welcome all teams, volunteers, sponsors, FIA officials, spectators and invited guests to this auspicious motor rallying occasion. Its truly gratifying that this year’s edition has attracted more cars which is- by any standards- no mean achievement. This is certainly one of the highest numbers of participants who have entered in any of the 6 rounds of the FIA African Rally championship 2014 held thus far. It is also an indication that motor rallying is growing in leaps and bounds; not only in Kenya but in the entire East African region. The closed private farm roads we are resorting to be what makes this year’s Safari unique and indeed “A Great African Experience”. As we anticipate a real spectacle in the picturesque Mount Kenya route course, I take this early opportunity to thank a dedicated group of officials who have been burning midnight oil in ensuring that FIA standards are adhered to at all times. My science gratitude goes to the Rallies Commission of Kenya Motor Sports Federation, County governments of Nairobi and Laikipia, the Kenya Police, media and title sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank, for enabling us put together an event that conforms to continental status. I also wish to acknowledge the support of our distinguished co-sponsors who continue to inject the much-needed quality as we aspire to uplift our organizational capability to desirable heights. Gallerias in particular have been very supportive and are coming on board as sponsors for the first time. They have allowed us use their compound as a scrutineering venue at Yana Distribution Center where a pit and lift will be available, Avery Kenya provided us with the Mobile Weighbridge Toyota Kenya has extended their support further by giving us a route-opening car. ALS will be our safety and evacuation chopper providers. Agro Irrigation is back to sponsor kit bags whilst I-Way Africa re-

The most paramount aspect here in Kenya is that motor rallying, and indeed, other motor sports disciplines are developed time and time again to international standards.” Jim Kahumbura

mains the official communication partners for the umpteenth time. ICEA Lions are our official insurance service providers and extend third party cover to competitors and officials during the rally. Equator Glaciers and Sportsman Arms Hotel are our sponsors too. I have no doubt this event will challenge the drivers and their crew to the fullest so that the rally can live to its billing as the “toughest rally in the world”. As we all appreciate, sporting events of this nature are not only a source of entertainment but also serve to foster good re-

lations between our country and the parent countries of international participants. Competition between foreign drivers and our home grown talent will, as always, set the stage for a battle of epic promotions. I am glad that out of the six ARC events held so far, Kenyans have won two. It is now my pleasure to wish local and international drivers and their crew a safe Safari Rally and a happy stay in Kenya. Thank you and God bless you all. JIM KAHUMBURA Event Director

MESSAGE FROM CLERK OF THE COURSE

RACING IN THE WILDERNESS WILL REKINDLE OLD MEMORIES OF SAFARI ANTICS

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robi. In 2003 and 2004, the event was staged in South Coast ostensibly to entice FIA to reconsider Safari’s lost status. With change of course, there are going to be many challenges, but route-wise and spectator-wise I’m expecting full compliance and indeed a spectacle like no other. Should heavens open, stages will become more challenging and of course drivers will have to apply their driving skills to keep up with the rigours of the scenic terrain. But come rain come shine, we will remain with the proffered stages. The only thing we might do is run them later on in the day than what we are planning in the morning session. Rains will of course make the Safari tough and as you all know this is the world’s toughest event - it will live to its name. We did our final route survey a weekend prior to the race and we have been through all of them in the rain and they are all passable. All farm stages will be “No Go Zones” to the spectators who shall only view cars at the designated point at Batian. All officials wlll have color-coded badges with special access to areas permitted. We have farm security in the ranches and that’s going to be beefed up by the police. We have given all ranches car numbers of those who will be allowed access -so if your car doesn’t feature in the list, don’t even try going there. The rally starts from KICC. The first stage is Migaa. Its a very fast stage, very technical indeed. I’m sure lots of drivers have tackled this before. After this cars will proceed to Lengetia near Naro Moru to tackle a 30km stage and this one is full of everything that a driver would like to drive in; very challenging and if it rains its going to be more fun to drive. After that they will head into Batian View where they will do a 3.2km spectator stage. This stage has been used before and this is where drama unfolded with three kilometres of competitive driving to spare. So we again we anticipate lots of drama there. On the next day we have the long Loldaiga stage which again has everything that a driver would like to drive in. We have got the Turaco which is a 12km stage which we have created specially just for this rally. Compared to what we ran last time round, we’ve added a 4kilometer stretc -again very tight, nice corners and the navigator has to be on his notes otherwise the

driver will get lost. We have the two stages that will run in Kisima on Sunday. One is a brand new 11km section never been used before at Wheatlands and could be challenging because we are dropping from approximately 7600ft down to around 5000ft. The other stage at Kisima is situated at the Airstrip. Very flat-out stage and this is where I will expect a few dramas to occur. The good thing about the long Loldaiga stage is that we are not going to have any Boda Bodas in there. There is quite a bit of wildlife to spice up the driving for crews. Recently on our route survey we came across elephants, two leopards, lions, giraffes,

Should heavens open, stages will become more challenging and of course drivers will have to apply their driving skills to keep up with the rigours of the scenic terrain.”

zebras- and this is exactly what brings in the word Safari back in the vocabulary of the rally. The long tarmac transport from Nairobi won’t be a challenge because we have seen in WRC where crews tackle a 200km liaison distance to go and do an 8kilometer section. On their way to Nanyuki crews will have a tyre change in Migaa and another service in Naro Moru. We have been in talks with the county commission of police and we are actually bringing in alco-blow to help curb drunken driving. And the security have very strict orders to handle all those drunk people who misbehave there. We have the farm security to help in restricting entry for spectators. We are expecting the rally to be a bit wet this time round because the rains are going to persist. As far as Batian View is concerned, there is lots of nice corners in there and nice jumps that we have managed to put and it should be a very exciting stage up there. Thank you all. BIMAL PATEL Clerk of the course

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CB Safari Rally 2014 is going to be very exciting change- to begin with- given that this is one of the few times it’s moving out of Nai-

2014 Route PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

The rally will be flagged off at its traditional ramp spot at Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) on September 12, 2014 followed by a short super special at Migaa estate in Kiambu county, another at Lengetia near Naro Moru and a short spectator stage at Batian View; 5kms from Nanyuki town. There will be a remote refuel zone in Naro Moru before the conclusion of Lengetia stage and service at Batian after which cars will proceed to Sportsman’s Arms in Nanyuki for the end of day1 overnight parc ferme. Cars restarts at Sportsman’s Arms

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anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

he route course for the 62nd KCB Safari Rally includes significant changes as the organisers look to build on a positive event in Kiambu and Laikipia county. Action runs entirely on closed private farm roads what with beautiful scenery, game and a glimpse of Mount Kenyawith all its splendour -at Batian View. The seventh round of the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) and the sixth of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) will extensively traverse the Mount Kenya region running on the weekend of September 12-14.

THE ROUTE

Nanyuki on Saturday September 13 then tackle private farm sections around Turaco, Loldaiga, Batian View and Lengetia and onwards to the Sportsman’s Arms parc farme. Sunday September 14 will see crews run Loldaiga, Kisima, Kisima-Wheat and Batian View after which they will proceed for the finish. Prize Giving and finish will be at Batian View. In what’s a deliberate move to enhance safety, no spectator will ne allowed in any of the stages apart from Batian. What’s more, no one without a role will be allowed anywhere near the service

2014 Route

Bags, I-Way Africa internet connectivity, ICEA Lion the official insurance partners, Equator Glaciers and Sportsman Arms Hotel are also co-sponsors. Avery Kenya with Mobile Weightbridge Equator Glaciers will supply 8400 bottles of drinking water to quench the thirst of officials. Unlike recent past years when Safari started and finished at KICC, this time round it shall rev-off there then head towards Nanyuki region but not without tackling stages off Nairobi-Nanyuki highway.

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Top Kenyans expected are Alastair Cavenagh, Carl Tundo, Kenya champion Baldev Chager and Rajbir Rai among others. Kenya’s current leader Jassi Chatthe is contesting the full ARC series. Apart from title sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank, other sponsors include ALS who are the helicopter providers, Galleria- who are providing scrutineering venue at the Tyre Center/ YTC where a Pit & Lift will be used by the technical team. Toyota Kenya are providing a Route Opening Car, Agro Irrigation 250 Kit

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park or in any of the ‘no go zones’ areas without a valid pass. To kick-start the event will be scrutineering at Galleria Mall in Nairobi. This year’s Safari welcomes back 2012 ARC Champion Essa Mohammed from Zambia. Ivory Coast Champion and current ARC leader Gary Chaynes will be navigated by Romain Comas de Miranda in a Mitsubishi EVOX. All Rwandese crew of Giancarlo Davite and Sylvia Vindevogel are also expected.

2014 Maps | Itinerary

MAPS KCB SAFARI RALLY 12th-14th September 2014

Day 3

TURACO

Day 2/3

KISIMA WHEAT

NANYUKI anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

MERU

KISIMA AIRSTRIP

LOLLDAIGA

Nanyuki Sportsman’s Arms Parc Ferme BATIAN VIEW Day 1/2/3 SPECTATOR STAGE, SERVICE & FINISH

LENGETIA Day 1/2

NARO MORU

MT KENYA

ABERDARE

NATIONAL PARK

NYERI

NATIONAL PARK

EMBU

MAKUYU

LEGEND

TOWN A2 A2

THIKA

Day 1

JUJA

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CS1 MIGAA

RUIRU

KIAMBU

KICC START

NAIROBI

ROAD CLASS

2014 Maps | Itinerary

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

ITINENARY SE 8 TURACO END 2

KCB SAFARI RALLY 2014

SS 9 BATIAN VIEW START 3

13:15

START KICC

10:00

SE 9 BATIAN VIEW END 3

SS 1 MIGAA START

10:38

PARC FERME IN SPORTSMAN ARMS HOTEL

14:22

LEG 1A FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 2014

LEG 2 SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

SS 2 LENGETIA START 1

13:53

PARC FERME OUT SPORTSMAN ARMS HOTEL 7:00 SS 10 LOLLDAIGA START 2

SE 2 LENGETIA END 1

8:03

SS 3 BATIAN VIEW START 1

14:56

SE 10 LOLLDAIGA END 2 54.53

SE 3 BATIAN VIEW END 1

SS 11 KISIMA WHEATLANDS START

PARC FERME-SPORTSMAN ARMS HOTEL

16:03

SE 11 KISIMA WHEATLANDS END SS 12 KISIMA AIRSTRIP START

LEG 1B SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER 2014 PARC FERME OUT SPORTSMAN ARMS HOTEL 7:00

SE 12 KISIMA AIRSTRIP END

SS 4 TURACO START 1

SS 13 BATIAN VIEW START 4

7:43

10:01 10:59

SE 13 BATIAN VIEW END 4

SE 4 TURACO END 1 SS 5 LOLLDAIGA START 1

9:46

8:13

13C PARC FERME OUT / FINISH BATIAN VIEW

14:30

SE 5 LOLLDAIGA END 1 SS 6 BATIAN VIEW START 2 SS 7 LENGETIA START 2

11:33

SE 7 LENGETIA END 2 SS 8 TURACO START 2

COMP

LIASON

TOTAL

TOTALS LEG 1A

40.22

270/51

310.73

3 Stages

TOTALS LEG 1B

114.66

188.89

303.55

6 Stages

TOTALS LEG 2

76.33

140.40

216.73

4 Stages

RALLY TOTALS

231.21

599.80

831.01

13 Stages

9:33

SE 6 BATIAN VIEW END 2

12:46

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SE 1 MIGAA END

2014 Maps | Itinerary

MAPS (Lat/Lon hddd째mm.mmm' WGS 84)

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anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

Global Map

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

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Friday,11th Sept 2014 - Migaa Stage

0.6

0.7 mi

2014 Maps | Itinerary

(Lat/Lon hddd째mm.mmm' WGS 84)

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0.05

0.10

0.15

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0.30

0.35 mi

Batian View Stage CS3/6/9/13 - 11th,Friday, 12th,Saturday, 13th Sunday

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

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Global Map

ENTRY LIST

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anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

ENTRY LIST Door DRIVER NAVIGATOR No 1 1 Baldev Chager/Ravi Soni 2 601 Mohammed Essa/Gareth Dawe 3 3 Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop 4 2 Ian Duncan/ Amaar Slatch 5 604 Gary Chaynes/Romain Comas 6 7 Rajbir Rai /Timothy Challen 7 5 Quentin Mitchell/TBA 8 6 Jaspreet Chatthe /Dave Sihoka 9 4 Azar Anwar /Julius Ngigi 10 10 Manvir Baryan/Drew Sturrock 11 17 Onkar Rai/Dez Page-Morris 12 77 Alastair Cavenagh/Gavin Laurence 13 41 Raaji Bharij /Jasneil Ghataure 14 602 Jas Mangat/Tash Di Cangio 15 9 Jasmeet Chana/Ravi Chana 16 18 Farhaaz Khan/Azhar Bhatti 17 12 Issa Amwari/Job Njiru 18 33 Asad Anwar/ Kashif Shiekh 19 48 Imran Mogul/ Adnan Din 20 605 Duncan Mubiru / Musa Nsubuga 21 15 Tejveer Rai/Zahir Shah 22 603 Christakis Fitidis/Eric Nzamwita 23 50 Steven Mwangi/Steven Nyorri 24 35 Steve Gacheru/Gerald Maina 25 46 Ghalib Hajee/Bharat Pattni 26 21 Mahesh Halai/Ketan Halai 27 24 Don Smith/Bob Kaugi 28 47 Ronak Shah/Riyaz Ismail 29 43 Harpreet Sagoo/Gurveer Pandhal 30 91 Amaanraj Rai/ Imran Khan 31 58 Khalfan Athman/ Abdulaziz Athman

Country

CAR MAKE

GROUP ARC

EAK ZAM/ZIM EAK EAK CIV EAK EAK EAK/ZAM EAK EAK/UK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAU EAK EAU/RWA EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK

Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Subaru Impreza N16 Proton Satria S2000 Mitsubishi Evolution 9 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 TBA Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Mitsubishi Evolution 8 Subaru Impreza GVB13 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Proton Satria S2000 Mitsubishi Evolution 9 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Mitsubishi Evolution 9 Subaru Impreza N10 Mitsubishi Evolution 9 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Subaru Impreza N10 Subaru Impreza N16 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Subaru Impreza N12B Subaru Impreza N10 Subaru Impreza N10 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Subaru Impreza N12B Subaru Impreza N16 Subaru Impreza N12B Subaru Impreza N10 Mitsubishi Evolution 10 Mitsubishi Evolution 9

N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N

√

√ √

CAR MAKE

GROUP ARC

EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK UK EAK EAK EAK EAK EAK

Subaru Impreza N10 Subaru Impreza GC8 Mitsubishi Evolution 6 Subaru Impreza GC8 Subaru Impreza N8 Subaru Impreza GC8 Ford Escort MK11 Toyota Sprinter GT Mitsubishi Evolution 6 Porsche Carrera 911 Toyota RunX Datsun 160J Volkswagen Golf MK3 Toyota Corolla RSI Subaru Impreza N8 Subaru Impreza GC8 Subaru Impreza GC8 Subaru Subaru Impreza GC8 Ford Escort MK11 Ford Escort MK1 Mitsubishi Challenger Land Rover Tomcat Land Rover Subaru Impreza GC8 Toyota Levin Subaru Legacy Subaru Legacy Subaru Impreza GC8 Volkswagen Golf MK2 Volkswagen Golf MK2

N S S S S S Classic 2WD S Classic 2WD Classic 2WD 2WD S 2WD S SPV S Classic Classic SPV SPV SPV S 2WD SPV S S 2WD 2WD

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

Country

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ENTRY LIST Door DRIVER NAVIGATOR No 32 88 Mohammed Noor/Hassan Saleh 33 16 Alasdair Keith/Tariq Malik 34 82 Taiti Wachira/Mutuma Marimba 35 85 Karan Patel/ Tauseef Khan 36 70 Eric Njogu/ Tony Kimondo 37 81 David Kioni/ Mwangi Kioni 38 67 Jonathan Somen/Richard Hechle 39 101 Dennis Mwenda/Edward Njoroge 40 61 Hussein Malik/George Mwangi 41 23 Aslam Khan/Keith Henrie 42 117 Eric Bengi/Tony Gikuhi 43 52 Rob Hellier/ Mike Huth 44 106 Gurmit Thethy/Depinder Kalsi 45 110 Leonardo Varese Kigondu Kareithi 46 55 Rashid Kabi/Allan Muhindi 47 108 Nadeem Kana /James Mwangi 48 80 Chandrakant Chhabhadia/Jonathan Kosgei 49 32 Stanley Thuo/TBA 50 84 Murage Wa Waigwa/ Tuta Mionki 51 38 Ramesh Vishram / Rohit Bhudia 52 98 Ranjeet Sehmi / Iain Freestone 53 87 Nikhil Sachania /Charanjeev Singh 54 59 Rupesh Chouhan/Dhanraj Matharu 55 97 Jonathan Jessel/TBA 56 83 Evans Kamau /Julius Mwanchuya 57 119 Geoff Mayes/Jamie Mactavish 58 95 Sham Wason /Samir Wason 59 96 Moez Malik /Steven Njenga 60 78 Maxwell Masinde/Eric Nzuva 61 113 Nishal Shah/ Avhit Bij 62 110 Alex Lairangi/Tony Gichohi

2014 Safari Rally PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

Safari Rally to provide KNRC and ARC battlefield By Abdul Sidi

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he battle for the 2014 Kenya National Rally Championship title resumes silently in the KCB Safari Rally despite the major part of the focus that remains on the African Rally Championship. Jaspreet Chatthe, one of the most outstanding drivers of the season so far not only in the local KCB-sponsored series, but also in the ARC circuit, leads the KNRC table with 210 points and also features in the ARC table where he is placed third behind Gary Chanyes of Ivory Coast and Zambiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mohamed Essa. Many of the local championship contenders look at the Safari Rally as heaven for scoring valuable points as it is the only event out of the eight rounds of the KNRC that offers the biggest chunk of points to the finishers. A winner in the Safari Rally earns 120 points while winning any of the other KNRC events, would earn the driver 80 points. Chatthe caused a major surprise in the KCB Nanyuki Rally where he won his first-

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anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

2014 Safari Rally

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anwar Sidi RALLY MAGAZINE

ever rally since coming into the scene hardly over two years ago. To prove it was not a fluke he went on to record another shocker in the ARC series where he won the Tanzania Rally in his familiar Mitsubishi EVO10. The battle for the local series remains wide open with a maximum of 280 points to score from the last three rounds of the series beginning with the KCB Safari Rally, Kisumu and Guru Nanak respectively. Defending and former Safari Rally winners, Baldev Chager (Mitsubishi) and Carl Tundo (Proton) are placed in the second and third place with 200 and 176 points respectively. Another sensational young driver, Rajbir Rai is placed fourth with 170 points. Again like Chatthe, he scored his maiden victory in the KCB Nakuru Rally before going on to make history in the Uganda Rally where he became the first-ever Kenyan driver to win the home round of the ARC. Kenya’s chances of returning to the full glare of the World Rally Championship circuit strongly rely on the outcome of this year’s Safari Rally which will be run in areas around Nanyuki. Action for this year’s KCB Safari Rally will quickly move to Nanyuki after the start from the Kenyatta International Conference Centre. As part of the emphasis on closed door sections, Migaa Farm in Kiambu will host the opening spectator followed by another in Naro Moro before Nanyuki takes over the balance of the rest of the major action. Baitain View will remain as the sole spectator stage open to the public while others are closed for safety reasons and as demanded by the owners of the land. The stage will be tackled on four different occasions - once on Friday, twice on Saturday and once on Sunday respectively. KNRC Standings after Round 6 –Drivers: 1. Jaspreet Chatthe 210, 2.Baldev Chager 200, 3. Carl Tundo 176, 4. Rajbir Rai 170, 5. Jasmeet Chana 156, 6. Ian Duncan 110, 7.Azar Anwar 80, 8 .Alasdair Keith 71, 9. Onkar Rai 70, 10. Quentin Mitchell 66. 2014 African Rally Standings after R6 Drivers: 1. Gary Chanyes (CIV) 101, 2. Mohamed Essa (Zam) 93, 3. Jaspreet Singh Chatthe (Ken) 58, 4. Giancarlo Davite (Rwa) 39, 5. Morifer Soumoro (CIV) 18, 5=Abdu Sempebwa (Ug) 18, 7. Manvir Baryan (Ken) 15, 8. Kenneth Mukosa (Zmb) 12. ARC Navigators; 1. Romain Comas (CIV) 101, 2. Gareth Dawe (ZIM) 93, 3.David Sihoka (ZMB) 58, 4. Sylvia Vindevogel (RWA) 39, 5. Philipe Garcia (CIV) 18, 5= Francis Wamala (UGA) 18, 7. Drew Sturrock (GB) 15, 8. Nash Chisenga (ZMB) 12.

Carl Tundo

Manufacturers: 1. Mitsubishi 129, 2. Subaru 126 Gary Chaynes

2014 Safari Rally

Ian Duncan

Baldev Chager

Essa Mohammed

Jassi Chatte

Manvir Baryan

Rajbir Rai

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KNRC Champinship Standings after Round 6 -Drivers

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1.Jaspreet Chatthe 210 2.Baldev Chager200 3 .Carl Tundo176 4.Rajbir Rai 170 5.Jasmeet Chana 156 6. Ian Duncan 110 7.Azar Anwar 80 8 .Alasdair Keith 71 9. Onkar Rai 70 10. Quentin Mitchell 66 11.=Raaji Bharij 60 11.=Peter Horsey 60 13.Steven Mwangi 53 14. Karan Patel 48 15. Steve Gacheru 45

2014 FIA African Rally Championship Standings after R6 Drivers 1. Gary CHAYNES (CIV) 101 2. Mohamed ESSA (ZMB 93 3. Jaspreet Singh CHATTHE (KEN) 58 4. Giancarlo DAVITE (RWA) 39 5. Morifere SOUMORO (CIV) 18 5=Abdu SEMPEBWA (UGA) 18 7.Manvir Baryan (KEN) 15 8.Kenneth MUKOSA (ZMB) 12

NAVIGATORS

1. Romain COMAS (CIV) 101 2. Gareth DAWE (ZIM) 93 3.David SIHOKA (ZMB) 58 4. Sylvia VINDEVOGEL (RWA) 39 5. Philipe GARCIA (CIV) 18 6. Francis WAMALA (UGA 18 7. Drew STURROCK (GB) 15 8. Nash CHISENGA (ZMB) 12

Manufacturers 1. MITSUBISHI 129 2. SUBARU 126

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EQUATOR RALLY KENYA (FIA African Rally Championship event in Kenya) The KCB SAFARI RALLY took over this event as the ARC rally in 2003

1991 Ian Duncan/David Williamson (EAK) 1992 Billy Rautenbach/Surinder Thatthi (ZWEAK) 1993 Sarbi Rai/Supee Soin (EAK) 1994 Rob Hellier/Saleem Haji EAK) 1995 Marco Brighetti/Surinder Thatthi (EAK) 1996 Satwant Singh/Surinder Thatthi EAK) 1997 Jonathan Toroitich/Ibrahim Choge EAK) 1998 Azar Anwar/Farakh Yusuf EAK) 1999 Rory Green/Orson Taylor EAK) 2000 Rory Green/Orson Taylor (EAK) 2001 Rory Green/Orson Taylor (EAK) 2002 Rory Green/Orson Taylor (EAK) 2003 Glen Edmunds/Titch Phipps Carter (EAK) 2004 Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop (EAK) 2005 Glen Edmunds/Des Page Morris (EAK) 2006 Azar Anwar/George Mwangi (EAK) 2007 Conrad Rautenbach/Peter Marsh (ZW) 2008 Lee Rose/ PiersDaykin (EAK) 2009 Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop (EAK) 2010 Lee Rose/Piers Daykin (EAK 2011 Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop (EAK) 2012 Carl Tundo/Tim Jessop (EAK) 2013 Baldev Chager/Ravi Soni (EAK)

2013 MOTORSPORTS CHAMPS... KCB KENYA NATIONAL RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

-FIA AFRICAN RALLY CHAMPIONS FOR 2014: Jassy Singh (Driver/Zambia) Dave Sihoka (Navigator/ Zambia) -IVORY COAST RALLY CHAMPION: Gary Chaynes (driver) -ZAMBIAN RALLY CHAMPION: Ken Mukosa (driver) -UGANDAN RALLY CHAMPION: Jas Mangat -TANZANIAN RALLY CHAMPIONS: Gerard “Babu” Miller (driver) and Peter Fox (navigator) - RWANDA RALLY CHAMPIONS: Giancarlo Davite (driver) Sylvia Vindevogel (co driver)

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OTHERS

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Ramesh Vishram

KNRC DRIVER: Baldev Chager KNRC NAVIGATOR: Ravi Soni KNRC DIVISION 2 DRIVER: Jaspreet Singh Chatthe KNRC DIVISION 2 NAVIGATOR: Gurdeep “Gugu” Panesar KNRC DIVISION 3 DRIVER: Jasmeet Chana KNRC DIVISION 3 NAVIGATOR: Rohit Bhudia SPV/S CLASS DRIVER: Jaswinder Chana SPV/S CLASS NAVIGATOR: Ravi Chana 2WD DRIVER: Dennis Mwenda 2WD NAVIGATOR: Edward Njoroge CLASSIC CAR CUP DRIVER: Aslam Khan CLASSIC CAR CUP: NAVIGATOR: Jasneil Ghataure

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HISTORY

OF SAFARI RALLY

22 PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

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afari Rally was an event of such classic stature that only Monte Carlo can be safely said to be equal. First run in 1953 to honor the coronation of Queen Elisabeth II, it soon became known as endurance event par excellance apart from marathons like London-Sydney. From 5300 kilometers in 1973, route shrunk little by little almost yearly but Safari was in a class of it’s own when it came to competitive distance. Dubbed as “the worlds toughest rally”, event was a test of man and machine. As is obvious from the selection of pictures, story of Safari cannot be described in simple terms or quickly. Weather played important part, no matter how it turned out. If it was wet, mud was everywhere and progress slowed down considerably. If it was dry, dust became a problem. It was not uncommon for a driver to complain that he had catched slower car but had been unable to pass, or even approach because of the dust. Animals, both wild and domestic were a danger in the vast African plains. On open ground animals were easy to spot even without the helicopter support but in bushes the situation was different. Besides the nature, character of the roads, long distances and high speeds, Safari was unique because it was the last WRC rally to run on open roads. Admittedly traffic was scarce but meeting a matatu, full-laden and slow local bus, caused more than one accident. As emphasis on World Rally Championship moved ever more towards performance, Safari remained an endurance event where restraint usually paid off. This approach was first discarded by Mitsubishi in 1996 when team had concluded during testing that by routinely changing all suspension components in every service, their car would last the distance even with 100% speed. Times changed and world rallying with it. Move towards cloverleaf format with single service park and

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Open road rallying at its best

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Rauno Aaltonnen

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Shekhar Mehta

shorter overall distance did not suit well with the spirit of Safari and event was eventually dropped in favour of Turkey. Many fans and traditionalists were shocked but there was silent relief amongst teams. Safari was unique challenge but contesting it consumed by far more resources than any other rally, being great strain for the teams. The event was part of the World Rally Championship calendar for many years until being excluded after 2002 due to lack of funding and organisation in 2003. The Kenyan government is trying to get the rallyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WRC status restored. Since 2003 the event has been part of the African Rally Championship. It is currently known as the KCB Safari Rally after its sponsor, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB). Local driver Shekhar Mehta was the most successful in the event with five outright victories (1973, 1979â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1982).

Timo Salonen-Peugeot 20t Turbo Vic Prston Jnr-Lancia 037

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Vic Preston Jnr with Lancia Mecahnics

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Service at RVMSC,Nakuru

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The Safari Legends,Late Joginder Singh with Bjorn Waldegaard during the 2011 EA Safari Classic Rally.

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First World Rally Champion Bjorn Waldegaard dies aged 70

he first World Rally champion Bjorn Waldegaard has died aged 70 after suffering with cancer. Waldegaard passed away following a rapid decline in his health. He had been due to take part at Rallyday in Wiltshire in september, but had cancelled that trip to make way for treatment. He did, however, attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier in the summer, where he drove a Toyota Twincam Turbo.

The Swede won the inaugural driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; World Rally Championship title in 1979, co-driven by Hans Thorszelius on all rounds except for the 1000 Lakes Rally, where Claes Billstam guided them to third place. Driving a works Ford Escort on European WRC rounds and a Mercedes 450 SLC on the Safari and Ivory Coast, Waldegaard took the championship by a single point from Hannu Mikkola. Waldegaard won the Acropolis and Quebec Rally in 1979.

Beyond his world title, Waldegaard was probably best known for his ability to win in Africa and his love of competition there. He tackled 25 WRC rounds in Africa and won seven of them (four Safaris and three Ivory Coast). While Waldegaard stopped competing at world level in 1992, his love of competition kept him in and around rallies for the rest of his life. And he remained competitive, winning the 2011 East African Safari Classic in a Porsche 911 aged 68.

End of the road for Kenya Safari Rally legend Joginder Singh

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By Shamlal Puri in London shamlalpuri@gmail.com

e is still a household name half a century after he carved himself a name by raising dust storms and churning mud on East Africa’s rugged highways and by-ways. To date, boys still mention ‘Jogida’ or ‘Jogida Sing’ whenever they see a car speeding away. In Kenya, even for children who never witnessed his exploits on the road, Joginder Singh is synonymous with speed—breakneck speed. The legendary Safari Rally champion Joginder Singh Bhachu passed away peacefully in London aged 81 last year. The undisputed king of the road succumbed to heart failure, leaving hundreds of thousands of his fans around the world in shock and mourning. Poignantly he died on Mashujaa Day, underscoring the fact that he was Kenyan hero. Joginder Singh developed heart problems about ten-years-ago and underwent bypass surgery. He lived a quiet life in retirement with his family in Surrey, south-east England. According to close family sources the octogenarian died in London at his son’s house. He had complained to his son of severe discomfort and was put on a sofa to relax but passed on ten-minutes later. Annals of history Famously known as “Simba wa Kenya” and the “Flying Sikh”, Joginder Singh was the star of many generations of motorrallying fans in Kenya and East Africans living around the world. He entered the annals of history as the first Kenyan Sikh driver ever to win an international rally, and also the first man to win the gruelling Safari Rally three times. Born in Kericho on February 9, 1932, he was the eldest of ten children of Sardar Batan Singh and Sardarni Swaran Kaur. Joginder was educated at a boarding school in Nairobi. His first work experience was as a spanner boy in his father’s garage. He gained further experience as a mechanic in other organisations before becoming the Royal East African Automobile Association’s first patrolman in 1958. Joginder zoomed into the history books by winning the world’s toughest motor rally, Safari Rally, in 1974 and 1976, competing against the cream of international rally drivers when the event was part of the World Rally Championship. Joginder first entered the 13th edition of the then East African Safari Rally in 1965 with his brother, the late Jaswant Singh as the co-driver, in a second hand Volvo which

was earlier driven by Tom Trana in 1963 and 1964 and had already clocked 42,000 km. The two brothers drew the number one position for the start, considered to be unlucky, but they remained number one throughout the event that ran through Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and made history after they finished at number one. Joginder was outstanding as one of “the unsinkable seven” finishers of the 1968 event in which 74 crews started but only seven finished. The victors were also hailed as “The Magnificent Seven” after the Hollywood cowboy film released around this time. From then onwards, they got plenty of sponsorships and Joginder went on to win the world rally event in 1974 and 1976. For 1977 which was if anything an even wetter Safari, the lack of power from the Lancer’s 1,600cc engine proved to be a handicap and Joginder could not do better than fifth overall especially since he also ran some distance with broken steering. His last three Safaris were behind the wheel of various works Mercedes, twice in 280SEs with one retirement thanks to water getting into the engine and an eleventh overall. Then on the last occasion, he drove a 450SLC in which he was partnered by an American TV star from Baywatch. This gentleman, one Parker Stevenson, received a lesson in stoicism when Joginder contrived to remove the side window and most of the co-driver’s door in an early accident. They eventually finished fourteenth but for Joginder, his rallying days were over. He had learnt the hard way that works cars were more often

Joginder Singh has left behind a legacy that has charmed across continents and his powerful persona and escapades as a daredevil rally driver will probably never find an equal in another century

than not more susceptible to breaking down than ones he had prepared himself. He disposed of his interests in Kenya and moved to live in London. To Kenyans, Joginder will always be ‘Simba ya Kenya’ (the lion of Kenya) while for his fellow Sikhs he will be recalled as ‘The Flying Sikh’. To his many friends in the rally world he was known simply as ‘Jo’. And to thousands of rally fans around the world, he will be remembered as a quietly spoken man who had no need to trumpet his rallying achievements and car preparation skills since, whenever he drove on a Safari, they were evident to all. Joginder’s record of 19 finishes in 22 attempts was an unprecedented feat for the Safari Rally in which finishing the event was once considered a greater achievement than winning other world rally events. He was honoured as a special guest at the start of the 50th Safari Rally in 2002, and was appointed a patron of the Safari Classic in 2007. Any visitor to his home in Surrey would marvel at the trophies, certificates, books, newspapers, magazines and documentaries chronicling his victories in motor rallies around the world. Joginder Singh has left behind a legacy that has charmed across continents and his powerful persona and escapades as a daredevil rally driver will probably never find an equal in another century, for none came even remotely close for decades after he hung his driving gloves. Outclassed the best He always exhorted promising rally drivers to follow his example of being a teetotaller and urged them to break his own record. Tributes have been flowing from the Kenyan diaspora across the world. Former Nairobi journalist Kul Bhushan, the doyen of motor rallying reporters, who covered the event for 26- years until 1990, for newspapers including The Standard said, “Joginder Singh achieved the legendary status of a national hero in Kenya and remains unmatched as a rally driver who outclassed the best of the world during the Seventies.” Priceless hero “A much-loved hero of all Kenyans, he died poignantly on 20th October, when Kenya celebrated MashujaaDay. Fondly known as ‘The Flying Sikh’, Joginder Singh was also a consultant for the Himalayan Rally and took part in this event as well,” wrote the Hindustan Times of India. There is no doubt that the world has lost a priceless hero, a true shujaa, who flew the Kenyan flag high in the world of motor rallying.

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Silverspread attributes its success to God, Family, Friends and Community. While hope was slowly dimming for two local and talented individuals, a dream was being born at another end through a family with a broad vision â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Silverspread Family.

BAITES INSIDE!! 31

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raditionally considered an elitist sport, rallying as we all know it is ironically a grassroots’ sport if the enthusiasm it attracts is anything to go by. Right from 1953, when the Coronation Safari in East Africa was started (which eventually became the Safari Rally and a round of the World Championship) to date, rallies in Kenya continue to attract huge crowds as well as new competitors. What’s more, there has been a major evolution of racing machines as well as the emergence of formidable rally teams. One such team is the Silverspread Rally Team - Meru. Nestled in the hills of Meru is this gentle giant with remarkably humble beginnings. Founded 14 years ago, Silverspread Hardwares Ltd, under the stewardship of Ramesh Hirani has transformed the lives of many orphaned and vulnerable children in the community not to mention the support accorded to religious, health, educational and social institutions in the area. It is its investment in motorsport however through its initiative of youth participation in motorsport that cannot go unnoticed. When Silverspread mooted the Silverspread Rally Team – Meru in 2013, a new chapter in the local rallying scene was written and remains as a major benchmark in talent development as well as community investment. Flashback to 2010 and Issa Amwari a resident of this county was struggling to place his name on the rally map where many local rally greats such as Phineas Kimathi, the late Gregory Kibiti and Issa’s own father Nkubu Amwari had trod. A face of the local youth, Issa was armed with an ageing Subaru GC8. It was harsh for both man and machine- very harsh indeed. Constant break-downs and failure, lack of consistent sponsorship provided a harsh baptism for him confirming that potential alone does not win rallies and without back-up it remains just that…‘potential’. Teaming up with Job Njiru, who had just won the 2010 KNRC Division 3 Navigators’ title, the duo set new personal limits and positioned themselves to exhibit their potential. Despite several set-backs it was only in 2012 that the team proved it was worth its salt by driving their old Subaru to position 12 and top in S class at the Nyeri Rally. This did not go unnoticed as Ramesh of Silverspread was taking note of

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the struggle by the two lads and their sheer determination against all odds. Ramesh, a rally enthusiast in his own right decided to test the waters through ‘token’ sponsorships here and there for the duo. It was evident that potential was not the problem. It was a case of sheer lack of requisite sponsorship to break the curse that knocks off budding potential before it sees the light of day. This is what was bogging down and frustrating the duo despite their best intentions. And this is where Ramesh did the unthinkable and broke ranks from other sponsorship approaches. He embarked on founding the Silverspread Rally Team - Meru. A team that echoes the aspirations of the local community; that reflects the dreams of many youth and that believes in possibilities for all regardless of religion, race or creed. He immediately took up Issa and Njiru into his wings. Noting that the Subaru GC8 that was now condemned to a yard would not finish any rally let alone win a title, he brought in the latest Mitsubishi Evolution 9 rally car prepared to top spec for the debut of the team. A good car, a good team and an event are not the only ingredients required for the success of the team. The Silverspread Rally Team – Meru was made complete through a full service and logistics package that has ensured that it focuses wholly towards delivering a good result and its fan-base. The team also has a spirited Toyota Sprinter GT duo of Dennis Mwenda aka “Dere Mwendah” and Edward Njoroge who were crowned KNRC 2WD Champions in 2013 after a string of credible podium finishes in events staged across the country. Recently in Uganda’s Pearl of Africa Rally which is a round of the African Rally Championship, Mwenda and Njoroge won accolades by finishing second overall in supplementary class which earned him top spot in 2WD class. Issa and Njiru have twice finished 5th in the KNRC in Nakuru 2012 and Nanyuki 2013. Continuous support is required on and off the rally scene. The families, friends, customers and associates of Silverspread have all entered the fray and literally have a part to play in the team’s success. Silverspread’s indigenous roots are evident at every rally through a growing and passionate fan base that graces every national event to uphold its aptly named BAITE team. Local musicians have even composed an anthem in praise of the team do demonstrate how deep rooted the sport is in the community. Despite great success, for a team in its infancy, the sky can only be the limit. Despite hiccups at the start of the 2014 season, the Silverspread team continues to pick up key learnings and is working at continuous self improvement. If the recent result is anything to go by, then this is sheer proof that Motorsport in Kenya will only evolve through the birth of other sponsors who recognise budding talent in the community, invest in it without condition and change the paradigm of the motorsport landscape in the country. Silverspread attributes its success to God, Family, Friends and Community. While hope was slowly dimming for two local and talented individuals, a dream was being born at another end through a family with a broad vision – The Silverspread Family.

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KNRC 2013 Season Review

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Ian Duncan and Amaar Slatch-Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9

YOUNGSTERS IMPRESS, OLDGUARDS RULE THE ROOST

f there is one particular season that youngsters made their impression felt on the Kenya National Rally Championship scene, then it must surely be in 2013. Although the youngsters could not- at that juncture- sit around the same dining table with the Aslam Khan-Porsche 911

KNRC 2013 Season Review

veteran speed merchants, then they must have certainly graduated eating from the crumbs, as the old motoring adage goes! A case in mind was the season closing in Kilifi Rally where Manvir Baryan was going for an outright win but retired on his spirited attempt -much to his chagrin. Manvir won a stage in Kisumu Rally, an indication that youngsters couldn’t be taken lightly. Team Kibos’ Jaspreet Singh Chatthe flabbergasted all and sundry on his Kisumu home turf where his partner Gugu Panesar guided him to a career best second placeover and above – his maiden Division Two championship. Another youngster Quentin Mitchell n a Subaru Impreza N16 savored third overall place in Safari, which wasn’t a mean achievement by any standards. Issa Amwari and Rajbir Rai (son of legendary Sarbi Rai) proved quite promising in 2013 if their uncanny knack on competi- >> Azar Anwar

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End of the road for Richard Onyoni’s Mitsubishi Evo8 The car caught fire few kilometres before the end of SS5 Orien, thus denting his comeback efforts after several years in the darkness. ‘’I sensed something was wrong when I saw smoke in the rear view mirror. The flames from the exhaust must have ignited the fire. Totally devastated and saddened by the incident. Driver,Richard Onyoni and navigator Ken Masoni were able to walk out of the car safely before it was reduced to ashes

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KNRC 2013 Season Review

>> tive stages was anything to go by.

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UNBEATABLE TRIO Issa finished 5th overall in Nakuru whereas Rajbir claimed a couple of top 10 finishes in the second half of the season when he upgraded from a VW Golf Mk2 2WD to a Mitsubishi Lancer EVOX and navigated by former KNRC navigators champion Supee Soin. With Alastair Cavenagh giving nearly all of the 2013 KNRC rallies a wide berth and only partaking in Guru Nanak and Nyeri rounds, the highflying trio of Ian Duncan, Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo and eventual KNRC series champion Baldev Chager ‘Boldy’ ruled the roost. Of the three Chager was the only one who savored a 100% finish record in eight outings. It was not easy though for youngsters to maneuver against the likes of Ian, Chager and Flash- all being mature drivers and multiple KNRC champions. In eight rallies of the KNRC 2013, Chager won three events in Kajiado, Safari and Guru Nanak while Duncan was triumphant in Nakuru, Voi and Kilifi. Tundo won two rallies in Nyeri and Kisumu. Duncan could have actually won Guru Nanak and Nyeri if it were not for the gremlins he had to contend with. A near fatal mishap in Nyeri stymied Duncan’s championship ambitions damaging the car on its front. Duncan came into a brow near a corner and encountered an oncoming event ambulance, swerved well in time but hit it from the side. In Guru Nanak he sat in the dust of Peter Horsey and lost the rally to Chager in the process. A win for Duncan would actually guarantee him the unprecedented 12 wins in the Sikh Union event.

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SAFARI CLASSIC But Duncan and his partner Amaar Slatch in a Ford Capri won the KQ East African Safari Classic Rally beating former World Champion Stig Blomqvist in a nail-bitting last stage tussle. Gregoire De Mevius of Belgium and Bjorn Waldegard impressed in the KQ Safari Classic though the latter rolled out of the event in Day 3. Voi and Nyeri were the best-attended events by spectators who turned out in their hordes to cheer on rally aces. Voi stadium was filled to the brim with Nyeri showground arena attracting spectators in their hordes - a clear indication that rallying in Kenya is gaining considerable popularity both in urban and rural areas. HEALTHIEST GROUP N ENTRY Kenya had the healthiest Group N homologated entries in the world with KCB Safari Rally featuring over 70 drivers from across the continent. Group N statistics were boosted by the influx of state-of-the-art machinery. By the time the season ended in Kilifi there were quite a number of new cars around. The EVOXs of Onkar Rai, Chatthe, Rajbir and Chager were not only elegant but also terrific on the stages. CRUEL HAND OF FATE But the motor sports fraternity lost two of its celebrated drivers in Ben Muchemi and legendary Joginder Singh. Joginder, the multiple Safari Rally winner, died on Mashujaa day whilst Muchemi -the 2009 Personality of-the-Year lost a prolonged battle for cancer. Nzioka Waite-Mitsubishi Lancer Evo9

KNRC 2013 Season Review

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Mahesh /Ketan Halai -Subaru N12

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Rajbir Rai-Mitsubishi Lancer Evo10

KNRC 2014 Mid Season Review

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JASSI, RAJBIR BREAK THE DUCK AS NEW FACES EMERGE IN S CLASS

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he 2014 season has so far witnessed surprises, hordes of spectators at rally locations and high octane driving too. The “Park and walk” policy introduced by the rallies commission and taking events to private farms has been a major ingredient towards event safety. All rallies have so far been flagged off by governors with Dr. Alfred Mutua in Machakos and William Kabogo being of immense support to organisation. Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi flagged off round 1 in Malindi in February. Mutua did it in Machakos in March followed by. Kabogo in April. New faces like ex-Muchemi mechanic Taiti Wachira, former EA motocross champion Karan Patel, Nishal Shah

from the Swan family, Alex Lairang’i and Evans Kamau Njacha have also injected requisite gusto to the sport. Taiti was very impressive in Kiambu whist Karan has a top 10 under his belt in his first year of racing cars. The 2014 season started off on a rather scorching note in Malindi where rally cars where returning after a six year hiatus. A major blow to spectator has been the absence of legendary Ian Duncan who lost his sponsorship in mid season and skipped Nanyuki rally. MALINDI RALLY (MMC) But after 395 kilometres and 12 competitive stages under the scorching coastal sun, Rift Valley farmer Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo was declared the winner of the season-

opening KCB Malindi Rally 2014. Navigated by Tim Jessop in a Menengai Oil Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9, Tundo - who had earlier been disqualified by stewards for allegedly stopping a stage at CS5 - was later on confirmed the rightful winner of the Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) organised event. Second overall was defending champion Baldev Chager and his partner Ravi Soni who trailed Tundo by a 57 second margin. Kisumu’s Team Kibos crew of Jassi Chatthe and Gugu Panesar sealed the podium dash in 1hour, 59minutes and 22 seconds. Alasdair Keith navigated by Tariq Maliq in a Subaru GC8 finished 11th to win the Group S class. Hussein Maliq in 12th place took second place in Group S.

KNRC 2014 Mid Season Review

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Baldev Chager/Ravi Soni-Mitsubishi Lanver Evo10

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Alastair Cavenagh-Proton S200

KNRC 2014 Mid Season Review

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Taiti Wachira/Eric Nzioka-Mitsubishi Evo6

Surprises didn’t just end in Eldama Ravine Rally. After spending most of the time in fourth position, Kisumu’s Jassi Chatthe pulled yet another surprise with a maiden career KNRC win in Nanyuki barely weeks after winning the ARC rally of Tanzania. ” Leo Varesi/Kigo Kareithi

KNRC 2014 Mid Season Review

Rajbir Rai had earlier been declared the winner but after leading drivers protested Tundo’s exclusion, stewards had to rescind their decision. The 2012 Two Wheel Drive Champion Nadeem Kana navigated by James Mwangi in a Subaru was back in the groove winning his second career coast tour in Formula 2 Class followed by Gurmit Thethy. MACHAKOS RALLY (KMSC) Defending champion Baldev Chager and Leonardo Varese were the star attractions in Machakos. The Flying Singh powered to his first victory of the season after chalking up a clean win in somewhat straight sprint stages. The Mitsubishi evolution effect was once again felt with Rajib Rai in an Evolution X and

Jamseet Chana in a an Evolution 9 finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively; a clear indication that the youngsters were leaving nothing to chance. Organisers KMSC ran two spectator stage one being a sprint at Konza and the other at the famous Machakos People’s Park which drew a large crowd of spectators. KIAMBU RALLY (RSC) Kiambu became the first closed road private farm rally of the season featuring stages around Cianda, Migaa estate, Mboi-Kamiti and Gatatha regions. This is one such event that generated considerable interest amongst spectators what with the arrival of the two Proton Neo Satria S2000 of Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo and Alastair Cavenagh. This was the first time a Kenyan driver

NANYUKI RALLY (NRG) Surprises didn’t just end in Eldama Ravine Rally. After spending most of the time in fourth position, Kisumu’s Jassi Chatthe pulled yet another surprise with a maiden career KNRC win in Nanyuki barely weeks after winning the ARC rally of Tanzania. Rajbir had later won the Pearl of Uganda Africa Rally lending credence to youngsters’ uncanny knack. Chatthe achieved the feat when top three Rajbir, Tundo and Chager hit trouble. Victory was within sight for Tundo but not until his car stalled with fuel pump problems at the short closing stage at Batian View. The multiple winner lost 20 minutes which made him back to 9th position. Prior to Tundo’s woes, he was leading the proceedings by a massive four-minute margin from Chatthe and thus failed to achieve a hat trick of wins in Nanyuki in an event he had won in 2005 and 2012. Raaji Bharij claimed second overall place; his best career position while 60-year old Azar Anwar settled for third overall. Drama ensued at Batian View spectator stage when Carl’s father Frank Tundo suffered a fate similar to his son’s gremlins. Carl led the rally from the start on Saturday up till the last 3 kilometers of the spectator stage. Tundo resorted to his old championship winning EVO9 machine after rolling his Proton in a midweek test-drive but the damage was superficial.

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ELDAMA RAVINE RALLY (RVM&SC) Rift Valley Motor Sports Club’s Nakuru rally proved to be a real Great Rift experience- a rally of attrition and indeed the genesis of surprises. The rally traversed 3 counties in Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo and Keiyo. The famous flourspar stages, synonymous with WRC, were the event’s attraction. Tundo was an early casualty in the early morning run but retuned to the scene as a route opener. KNRC supremacy has remained a preserve of few top “flying aces” but it was astounding to see youngster Rajbir break the duck. The 24 year old Jinja based driver took advantage of Ian Duncan’s multiple punctures and staunchly admitted that lady luck smiled on him when it really mattered. Gurmit Thethy racked up a maiden win in two wheel after six years of trying.

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was driving an S2000 in the KNRC, the first time Protons raced African terrains and an emphatic win by Tundo albeit Cavenagh’s retirement. It was in Kiambu that new drivers Lairang’i, Nishal, Njacha, Murage Waigwa and Karan made their KNRC debuts after gracing the RCS FCS Rally at the same location. The Formula Club series which has been to Isinya, Migaa and Chemase has been used as a yardstick to prepare young drivers to the sport as well as help organisers prepare adequately at club level. Varese was all smiles as he made it two wins in a row in Kiambu. The biggest casualties were Cavenagh and Chager. Chager drove his EVOX on the limit to keep up with the pace of the Protons.

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

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Sachania proves disabilities not inability

“Like many of his friends and relatives, it was a touching moment to see the young boy’s determination to return to the sport that almost killed him few years back. It was moment many of us could not hide our tears.” Patel

eet Nikhil Sachania, one of the most incredible and daring rally drivers ever to grace the Kenya National Rally Championship. Sachania is a physically disabled young driver, whose career was almost cut short couple of years after a Quad bike somersaulted and landed on him during a training session by the outskirts of Athi River. Twenty-three-old Sachania made his rally debut in the just concluded Nakuru Rally, where tears of joy were shed when he was spotted being carried out of his specially prepared Mitsubishi Challenger rally car to receive the prize for finishing the event. Kiran Patel, one of the former leading navigators, who also used to co-drive Sachania’s father in his days, said he was overwhelmed when he saw the young boy being carried to the prize-giving ramp. “Like many of his friends and relatives, it was a touching moment to see the young boy’s determination to return to the sport that almost killed him few years back. It was moment many of us could not hide our tears. Well done to the father for encouraging him to stay in the sport,’’ said Patel. Sachania’s joy was also of great significant filled with excitement soon after such a bad trauma. “It was about two and half years ago when I had a quad bike accident at Athi River. I hit a ditch at a high speed, fell in such a way I broke my back. Leaving me paralyzed from the waist down, actually just above the waist,’’ said Sachania while talking to Nation. For Sachania or his father, who is himself a former rally driver, it was not to sit back and

mourn about the sad history, but return to the sport and prove that disability is never an excuse to keep away from something one desires to do in life. A locally prepared rally car was immediately prepared with in mind that all gadgets and handles suited were within his reach and the safety of both the car and crew was not comprised. Sachania added: “I have slightly adjusted the roll cage on the driver’s side to make it easier to get in and out of the car. There is a foot plate in front of the pedals so that my legs don’t accidentally hit the accelerator or brake. The main modification is to the hand control of both the accelerator and brake cables. It is a simple push-and-pull mechanism that is available in the market.’’ He further went on to explain about other sensitive workmanship on the machine “The modification included the push and pull lever for the accelerator. It was placed in such a manner that one hand on the lever while the other handled the steering wheel.’’ When asked if had any special training here at home or abroad on the art of handling rally with such serious handicap, he was quick to say no such sessions were available apart from his personal commitments where he spent weekends to get used to the new rally. The car was prepared by Charan Singh, a childhood friend and also his navigator who made his rally debut in the Nakuru event. His final words were with a big smile: “My plan is to have a good time in the sport, enjoy the stages as I continue to get used to the car before I can start looking for better results. It is definitely possible.’’

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANWAR SIDI

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