KNRC's season-ending Guru Nanak Rally promises scintillating battles
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.11.24. | 14:33
Ian Duncan is the most successful driver here, having won the event a record 12 times
This year, the Sikh Union Nairobi-organized Guru Nanak Equator Rally will run as the season-closing round for both the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) and FIA African Rally Championship (ARC) in Machakos and Nairobi counties on Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December.
As the countdown for the iconic event continues, unpredictable wet weather in Nairobi and its environs could potentially add the much-needed zest to the event widely touted as one of the toughest gravel fixtures on Kenyan soil.
Should heavens open on the race weekend, crews will be compelled to balance the need for grip in rainy weather with that required for dry gravel.
Shrewd tyre selection providing the best compromise for frequently changing conditions will be key - and that's where the ability to ‘read’ conditions will pay dividends.
By and large, varying road surfaces and changeable weather will add to the task ahead for the crews.
To set the ball rolling, scrutineering is scheduled for the Sikh Union Club on Thursday 28 November from 0900hrs onwards. The ceremonial start is set for Friday 29 October from 1100hrs.
A maze of fast-flowing roads on the busy Thika Road, crossed by the signature metal-arch bridges should add the much-needed gusto to the event which revs off from Wangari Maathai Road (formerly Forest Road).
Free Practice and Qualifying heads to Kasarani WRC SSS twin-track on Friday 29 October from 1130hrs onwards. The qualifying stage will be used as a yardstick to determine the ARC start order for the top five drivers.
Shakedown follows at the same venue from 1430hrs. On Saturday, 30 November Spectator Stage one and two (2.50km) are scheduled for 10:33hrs and 12:37hrs respectively. Spectator Stage three (2.50km) is scheduled for Sunday, 1 December starting at 09:33hrs.
The second run of the 14.94km SGR speed test will not only count as Sunday’s closing stage but also the designated Power Stage (SS9) which forms the highlight of the event from 10:54hrs.
In the ARC, three Ugandan drivers Yasin Nasser (Ford Fiesta R5 / Subaru GVB), Mike Mukula (Subaru N14), and Didas Matsiko (Subaru N14) have already signed up for the event.
Reigning Kenyan champion Jasmeet Chana, reigning African champion Karan Patel, and KNRC series leader Samman Vohra are also expected to ruffle feathers for Team Kenya.
Ian Duncan is the most successful driver on the Guru Nanak Rally Roll of Honor, having won the event a record 12 times.
2024 FIA African Rally Championship Drivers Pts
1 Karan Patel KEN 140pts
2 Michael Jr Mukula UGA 47pts
3 Jas Mangat UGA 28pts
4 Hamza Anwar KEN 24pts
= Nikhil Sachania KEN 24pts
6 Nasser Yasin UGA 21pts
7 Kuku Ranjit Singh UGA 18pts
8 Dr Mukasa Moustapha UGA 17pts
