Veteran driver Ian Duncan is racing against time in his bid to return to competitive rallying in Sunday's KCB S&L event in Olepolos and Corner Baridi areas in a newly acquired Nissan Patrol Pick-up.

Duncan navigated by Amaar Slatch have been missing from local the rallying scene for a while and fans will now look forward to his return with three rounds still up for the taking in the Kenya National Rally Championship.

He is among the four drivers who will be returning to rallying or making their debut in the 37 cars that are expected to be flagged off at the KCB Kawangware branch on Sunday morning by Public Health and Sanitation minister Beth Mugo.

Others are Kenol Petroleum crew of Sammy Aslam and partner Saquib Malik in a Mitsubishi Evo8, Alfir Khan who is coming from the Africa rally Championship (ARC) where he competed in the Pirelli young drivers category losing to South Africa's Jon Williams.

Competitive distance

John Omolleh navigated by David Gachugu in a Subaru Legacy will also be racing for the first time in the KNRC event.

The drivers have to face a 207km competitive distance plus an additional 179km liaison making it a total of 387kms.

After the flag off at Kawangware KCB branch, the drivers will a tackle a 63km section to Oltepesi for fuelling before the rally proper starts.

Meanwhile in the two wheel category, Charles Hinga and navigator Evans Mwenda are leading the pack and will want to to tighten their grip on the championship leader board with victory in Olepolos.

Hinga is leading with 95 points against spirited challenge from Leonard Verese and co-driver Kareithi Kigondu in a Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Verese is on 82 and has acquired a new sponsorship from Darlin Company.

Leamy Karienye is third partnered by Kimeli Korir in a Toyota Levin while Jasmeet Chana and Randeep Kalsi in a Volkswagen Golf GTI are fourth off the ramp ahead of Gurmet Thethy and Inderjit Thety.