Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo navigated by Tim Jessop in a Mitsubishi Evo9 car were crowned winner of the KCB Advantage Banking Rally in Nanyuki.

Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo

However, the duo got their medal one stage too soon after the cancellation of the last competitive stage (CS11) at Batian View.

Clerk of the Course, Nazir Yakub, made the decision after heavy afternoon downpour. In consultation with stewards Yakub ended the contest at the penultimate stage only with 5km of the super special to spare.

As heavens opened, Tundo savoured his second career Nanyuki Rally victory after winning this event in 2005 in a Subaru N10.

This was his first Nanyuki victory in the new Mitsubishi car. He beat teammate Alastair Cavenagh by a mere 22 seconds to claim his fourth win of the 2012 KNRC season.

“The rally was really good. I have won Nanyuki for the first time in my Mitsubishi,” said Tundo.

He has so far won the season opening Nyeri rally, Nakuru Rally, Safari Rally and now Nanyuki.

Tundo has now opened a 75-points championship lead ahead of veteran Ian Duncan who retired after his car developed problems. Duncan still maintained second position on 280 points. Alastair’s second place finish in Nanyuki saw him cling to third spot in the KNRC tussle with 250 points.

Lucky Chager

Third was Baldev Chager, whose Subaru was losing power. Quentin Mitchell was fourth with Azar Anwar settling for fifth place overall.  With Tundo and Cavenagh untouchable, Quentin spent the whole day fighting with Chager for a podium slot, which he eventually lost.

Day one overnight leader Raaji Bharij finished sixth after he went through the bush and lost six minutes.

A tense showdown was manifest going into the last section of the rally.  In fact, it was down to 22 seconds between Tundo and Cavanagh but when skies opened Tundo was declared the winner.

Alastair had his run on the Loldaiga section frustrated when he drove the last 13km on a puncture tyre and lost six seconds to Tundo.

The Nanyuki Rally had a number of casualties.  Peter Horsey retired after the engine of his “Moto Moto” Datsun pick up failed. Issa Amwari was time barred in service. Other casualties were Paatrick Kibaara, Jonathan Somen, Jeff Mburu and Munir Khan. Hardeep Rehsi rolled on CS6 and kissed Nanyuki rally goodbye.

By Feverpitch reporter, The Standard