_{KEITH TARGETS HAT-TRICK}

Despite worrying gearbox gremlins, series leader Keith Henrie is optimistic of completing a rare hat-trick on the upcoming Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club (RVM&SC) Autocross meeting.Even as the tussle for Championship points appears menacing and threatening to gown to the wire, as was the case last season, Henrie refuses to be rattled.

Henrie believes he can take the fight to defending champion Steve Anthony and win his third straight RVM&SC tour during third round of the National Autocross Championship slated for Soysambu Conservancy on May 1. But competitors, officials and spectators will first sample Tthe serenely picturesque Soysambu Conservancy with overnight camping planned on the eve of the race (April 30).

Last month’s Autocross in Ganze was a bit of a disappointment for Henrie who was compelled to a ‘Plan B’ the moment he broke his buggy’s gearbox in practice.“I found a good Samaritan by the name of David Anunda who was kind enough to let me share his buggy with his son Ken Anunda, which got me 3rd place overall. As of now, I can’t find the gear box yet, but the buggy should be ready by the time we head to the Great Rift,” said Keith who wants a hat trick after having won Nakuru for the last 2 years.

“I hope to win this one so that I can achieve the hat-trick,” continued Keith- who is yet to lay his hands on the coveted autocross title previously won by Glen Behr, Sammy Aslam, Steve Anthony, Ricky Aslam and Ian Duncan.

Keith has a racked-up a comfortable lead and believes champion Steve Anthony-who missed the first round in Nairobi- wouldn’t spoil the party again. Anthony won the second round in Ganze and could be Keith’s biggest obstacle this season if he partakes in the remaining rounds.

”I am ready for him (Steve). I have a good lead and hope to maintain it to the very end,” vowed Keith.

Others expected at Soysambu Conservancy are Momabsa based Rathod siblings-Rikin and Karan who amazingly won the eighth and last round last year.

Nairobi based teenage driver Ken Anunda and reigning Under 24 champion Charles Mugo will also be on the charge.

Mugo, Anunda and Rikin will go for the jugular in their bid to chalk up more under-24 championship points.

NATIONAL AUTOCROSS POINTS AS AT RD 2

1.Keith Henrie 37

2. Samir Khan 26

3. Charles Mugo 23

4. Steve Anthony 22

5. Ken Anunda 20

6. Kyle Lucas 20

7. Karan Rathod 17

8. Ricky Aslam 17

9. Rikin Rathod 15

10. Mubashir Khan 14

UNDER 24

1.Charles Mugo 37

2. Ken Anunda 32

3. Rikin Rathod 20

4. Jas Gataure 14