Its all systems go as the KCB Micro Banking Rally 2010 gets underway in Mogotio on July 31.The event, co-sponsored by National Oil Corporation, Identisys, Car Track, iWay Africa, ALS and Highlands, is designed to offer competitors some exhilarating displays of rallying artistry.According to Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club (RVMSC) Committee Member Rajvir Raol, the rally will be flagged-off outside the KCB Branch located within Egerton University in Njoro.The first car will be flagged-off at 7.30am. Out of the total distance of 300kms, the competitive mileage is approximated at 157kms.

Reconnaissance (recce) is programmed for Friday, July 30 as well as scrutineering which is scheduled to take place at Egerton  ARC Hotel from 9am to 4pm.

After flag-off, cars will drive towards Mogotio area where most of the competitive stages have been designated. We have put together some thrilling five sections that will be looped to complete the total distance. The finish of the rally will be at the Service Park, explained Raol.

The Service Park is positioned right at the Equator line within Mogotio town. Raol, who is also the Service Park Manager for the event, said the 1km spectator stage adjacent to the service- in will be one of the major attractions.

Prior to every service-in, all rally cars will be required to go through the designated spectator stage before joining their service crew,  continued Raol.

Another key attraction is the 15 Km Essageri-Emining stage which the RVM&SC is reusing after six years. The 29km section towards Tenges has been described as the most challenging drive on the entire route course, according to Raol.

We are also running one section around the sisal farm in Mogotio which we have dubbed Hilltop. Otherwise, the rally is pretty tight and quick. We have some few rough stretches to offer competitors some diverse driving added Raol.

Meanwhile, drivers are working round the clock to get their contraptions in good nick. Alastair Cavenagh, the 1999 Kenya National Rally champion, will be going flat out in his bid to shore up his lead in the KNRC series.  Its about 11 years since Cavenagh laid his hands on the coveted crown currently held by his Dalbit Petroleum teammate, Carl Flash Tundo.

Cavenagh is no slough at his game amidst setting the pace that has left the entire KNRC pack scratching their heads.

Others to watch are 2008 Champion Baldev Singh Chager (Subaru Impreza N12), five times Kenya Champion Ian Duncan (Nissan Patrol), double champion Lee Rose and fast-rising Pirelli Star Driver Peter Horsey currently racing in the World Rally Championship rounds in Europe. The Anwar siblings Azar and Asad will not be taken lightly. Struggling Azar is anticipated to make a comeback after skipping the Rallye Sports Club round in Meru.

The Two Wheel Drive class will be a battle for supremacy pitting 2008 Champion Leonardo Varese (VW Golf GTi) against Toyota Levin Driver Munir Khan.

KNRC Standings

Alastair Cavenagh (Dalbit Petroleum)           270

Ian Duncan (National Oil)                                   223

Baldev Chager (Oilibya Racing)                        215    

Carl Tundo (Dalbit Petroleum)                         160

Peter Horsey (Team Civicon)                            135

Formula Two standings

Leonardo Varese (Jade Petroleum)                67

Munir Khan (CYN Energy)                                  60

Peter Mburu (Comprehensive Racing)          46

Andan Suhail (Relac Team)                                44

Charles Hinga (Oilibya Racing)                         33