The Rallies Commission of Kenya Motor Sports Foundation (KMSF) has also introduced the new Budget Car Class featuring non-turbo cars like the Starlets ranging from 1300cc-1800cc.

Indeed, the KMSF has also incorporated into its National Competitions Rules (NCRs) the increase of the Group N turbo restrictors from the previous 32mm to 33mm as permissible by World Most Sports Governing body, FIA, effective 2010.

Defending KCB KNRC champion Carl “Flash” Tundo isn’t making any changes from last year “apart from us being able to run a 33mm restrictor.” The man amiably referred to as “Flash” or “The Jackal” was happy with the test drive in his ex-Lola Varlaque Mitsubishi EVO 9 as he tuned the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to the 33 mm restrictor. The dropping of Duncan’s penalty as well as the increase of restrictors should be the reasons why spectators will be yearning top catch a glimpse of the rally cars in Iten.

Before penalty, last year Duncan was able to win two rallies (Guru Nanak and Nairobi Rally) but dipped further down when the 2% was applied to his cumulative time. There is a talk that Duncan is in more trouble with the restrictors’ rule being introduced.

Tundo reckons that the route conditions will favor the Group Ns while the rougher bits will be Duncan’s cup of tea.

Though Baldev Changer Subaru N12 is no match to the high-flying Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9s of Lee Rose and Carl Tundo, the 2008 Champion sounds quite febrile and says the only way out is to drive harder and invest in the correct equipment for reliability and performance.

Asked whether Duncan could rule the KNRC circuit after his penalty was dropped, Chager comments: “Generally the Group N cars are already beating Ian except if it’s a real rough rally. If you ask me, Ian is in more trouble with the 33mm restrictors now in favor of the Group N cars. Ian does not run any form of restrictor and still struggles to keep up with the Group N cars.” said Chager.

Lee Rose, a Nakuru based wheat farmer, will be partnering up with Timau based Agricultural engineer and former schoolmate, Piers Daykin.

“We could look at improving the performance with new racing fuel from Wladoil and perhaps improve the brakes a little,” said Rose who will be using BF Goodrich tyres in the 2010 season.