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L. MathekaUganda’s Ruparelia dares Kenyans ahead of KCB Nakuru Rally
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 17.02.21. | 13:32
Nakuru is the first event of the eight-legged KNRC 2021 season
Rising rally star Rajiv Ruparelia is hoping to give Kenyans a run for their money when the season-opening KCB Nakuru Rally gets underway in Soysambu on Saturday, 20 February. The ‘fast and furious’ Ugandan driver is determined to ruffle feathers on his Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) debut. He will be navigated by Enoch Olinga in a VW Polo Proto.
Although the Ugandan is a new entrant in motorsport, he is not ruling out a great fight with his Kenyan race adversaries. "I hope Kenyans are ready for Ruparelia Rally Team. This week we are coming to take the title in Nakuru with the much-needed intensity and gusto," Ruparelia bantered.
The year 2020 was going to be his first competitive year on his home championship but he only covered two events due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Rajiv displayed an impressive performance during day one of Mbarara Rally last year where he posted the fastest stage times on the opening day of the season. The fast driver topped the first stage of the event and shared the super special stage with former Pearl of Africa winner Ponsiano Lwakataka, each winning one run.
Ruparelia also did two events in 2019 as a club-man competitor. He is a talented driver, who has put up strong contention in the Ugandan events he has participated in but is yet to clinch top position.
The KCB Nakuru Rally 2021 will start and end at Soysambu ranch featuring 175Km total mileage. A Three-stage loop will be repeated for a competitive distance of 141km. The competitive run makes up 80% of the rally total. The three stages that will be repeated as first and second loops are Soysambu (32.10km), Elementaita (18.79km) and Sleeping Warrior (19.80km). Drivers will have a relatively shorter transport road section of 34.42km.
The 2020 season of KNRC was called off after two events due to Covid-19 pandemic. Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo had won the season opener, Guru Nanak Rally held at Stoni Athi, while reigning KNRC champion Baldev Chager carried the day in the second leg held in Nyahururu.
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