Tundo seals third KNRC title with third KCB Eldoret Rally win
Great Rift Valley farmer Carl "Flash" Tundo racked up his third career Kenya National Rally Championship title following victory in the KCB Asset Finance Rally in Eldoret.
He clocked 1.05.09hours to beat legendary Ian Duncan by a 45 seconds margin as 2008 Champion Baldev Chager sealed the podium dash in 1.08.10hours.
This was incidentally Tundo third career win in Eldoret after emerging victorious here previously in 2009 and 2010.
His calm and assured march to final service at Salaba Academy in Iten belied the excitement that was bubbling underneath- and at exactly 3.30pm, it spilled over in a solid stream of joy.
Tundo also savored his fifth win of the 2012 KNRC season after emerging victorious in Nyeri, Nakuru, Safari Rally and Nanyuki in August.
He had his campaign effectively sewn up when his Dalbit Petroleum teammate Alastair Cavenagh retired at CS3 end while leading the Rally. Cavenagh damaged his car's sump guard and kissed the event goodbye.
Tundo was all smiles: "I'm very happy to win the Championship and the (Eldoret) Rally. There is now one more feat this weekend and this is to get my new born baby."
After the stellar performance Tundo sung praises of his navigator Tim Jessop who incidentally chalked up his fourth KNRC title.
"Tim has been brilliant all season. I hope the youngsters will now bring in good competition next year," added Tundo.
With fast paced Cavenagh gone, Duncan and Tundo engaged in breathtaking exchange which treated spectators to some exhilarating displays. Cavenagh won the first two stages, Duncan the third and Tundo the last one.
Dennis Mwenda won the 2WD Class while Aslam Khan won the Classic Car Cup.
The early morning 59kilometer CS1 stage was cancelled at the request of top drivers who cited safety concerns on the long stretch. There was a blockage by a track as well as lots of traffic which prompted organizers to cancel the stage. Casualties were Alastair (sump guard) end of CS3, Fahd Bary broke engine mountings, Radiator on CS3), Caroline Gatimu end of CS3, Sammy Nyorri, Issa Amwari and Mahesh Halai who retired in second service.
Last event is Guru Nanak Rally on the weekend of November 17/18.
KCB Asset Finance Rally - Provisional RESULTS
1. Carl Tundo (EVO9) 1.05.09.
2. Ian Duncan (EVO9) 01.06.44.
3. Baldev Chager (Subaru ,16)- 01.08.10.
4. Azar Anwar (EVO8- 01.08.41
5. Quentin Mitchell (Subaru N16) 01.09.27
6. Jassy Singh Chatthe (EVO9)- 01.10.00.
7. Izhar Mirza (EVO9)- 01.10.11.
8.Onkar Rai (Subaru N16)- 01.14.43.