Rally proper restarts at Sirikwa early morning, February 7 and onwards to Iten where four stages totaling 132Km will be run. Bipin confirmed the location of the service park being based at the same football pitch adjacent to the KCB Iten Branch.

However, organizers Western Kenya Motor Club (WKMC) are considering a number of changes to the four stages depending on whether conditions.

“With the current El-Nino rains, we intend to adjust accordingly,” added Bipin. The first and fourth stages in Iten have not been used before. However, the second and third stages would be a repeat of last year- though Bipin reckons that the technical nature of the course epitomizes “a real driver and navigator challenge.”

“The transport road section is fairly short, and as such, offers the crews some convenience in recceing. Generally, the rally is a mix of smooth and rough but with twisty stretches at some point” said Bipin.

“Stage one and three are simply flat-out, with minimal corners. The second and fourth stages are quit twisty particularly when they progress towards the escarpment,” said Bipin.

Bipin’s brother, Ravi Taylor doubles up as the clerk of the course as well as the Event Director.

Meanwhile, drivers will renew rivalries at various divisions when the season gets underway. Carl “Flash” Tundo will be back to defend his KCB KNRC title with stiff opposition coming from Dalbit Petroleum teammate Alastair Cavenagh, Lee Rose, 2008 champion Baldev Chager and multiple KNRC champion Ian Duncan.

Stefano Rocca who was crowned the 2009 KCB Classic Car Cup champion is plotting a repeat performance against the likes of Rommy Bhamra, Briton Iain Freestone and Aslam Khan.

Peter Horsey of Civicon Racing-will be going for the defense of the KCB Young Star Challenge against the likes of Izhar Mirza, his brother Alex Horsley and Quentin Mitchell.

Yamakasi Rally Team ace Said Hamed of Mombasa hopes to move up the ranks after winning the Division Three Championship. Hamed has already jettisoned his version 6 Subaru and is said to be upgrading to a Subaru N10.

The 2009 champions:

KNRC driver: Carl Tundo

KNRC navigator: Tim Jessop

2WD driver: Jasmeet Chana

2WD navigator: Sudhir Thatti

Division 2 driver: Asad Khan “Kalulu”

Division 2 navigator: Kiran Patel

Division 3 driver: Said Hamed

Division 3 navigator: Ravi Soni

KCB Youngster Challenge: Peter Horsey

KCB Classic Car Cup driver: Stefano Rocca

KCB Classic Car Cup navigator: Franco Donadel

East African Classic Rally: Ian Duncan