Today's Headlines
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- Country to Review Tourism Law
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- Taking Up a Women's Agenda
- More Than 6,000 Christian Youth Converge for Prayers
- Catholic Church Outraged By MPs' Refusal to Pay Tax
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- Malaria Rates Plummet Among Children
- Winning Against HIV Stigma Behind Bars
- First Congress of Federation of African Journalists a Historic Milestone, Says IFJ
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- Regional Workshop Focus Border Management, Irregular Migration
- Silverbird Acquires Kenya's Nu Metro, Starts Operations in Ghana
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- Agencies Seek $390 Million to Offset Climate And Food Risks
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- Free Movement of People Too, Not Just Goods and Capital
- Judges Running Out of Money?
The Nation (Nairobi)
October 8, 2008
News Article
Charles Hinga's hopes of wrapping up the Kenya National Rally Championship's Formula Two series were nipped in the bud when he rolled his Toyota Levin just 11km into the first stage at Olepolos, throwing his advantage to his rivals.
After six rounds, the Strategic Industries Limited-sponsored Leonardo Verese and navigator Kigondu Kareithi, driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI, have seized the championship lead after he won the weekend's KCB S&L event in Corner Baridi.
It was the second time this season that Varese had chalked up a win, which saw him jump from second slot to first. Varese now leads the formula two series with 102 points while Hinga has 95.
Hinga, however, is still in contention as he lies second with 95 points.
With the two rounds in Mombasa early next month and Guru Nanak still remaining, Hinga must get his car in the best condition if he is to challenge for the championship title.
Jasmeet Chana and co-driver Randeep Kalsi, driving another Volkswagen Golf GTI, finished second. However, they lie fourth with 56 points in the championship.
The Aki Uwongo rally team crew of Leamy Karienye and Kimeli Korir finished sixth see them patched at third slot in the standings with 78 points. Adnan Suhail and partner Zahir Shah in a Daihatsu were third ahead of Adnan Suhail and navigator Zahir Shah driving a Toyota Levin while Daren Miranda and co-driver Depinder Kalsi settled for fifth slot.
Meanwhile, Kenya Motor sports Foundation will have to review its fans' safety procedures in future rallies. The officials had a nightmare in Corner Baridi and Olepolos as some drunken fans tried to drive through the competitive closed section of the rally route.
One fan was injured when his car rolled just 1km into the rough and rocky route.
KMSF general manager Achie Khan has warned that unless the trend changes, they would have no choice but to pull out the stage.
This will deny rally fans the chance to see the speeding cars close up.
"Whatever happened was not right. The fan was drunk and in future we will not tolerate such action. We will be more vigil and anyone found will be dealt with strictly.
"This does not only put his life at risk, but also that of the drivers and we will not take it lightly. This indiscipline must end," he said.Standing - Leo Varese 102, Charles Hinga 95, Leamy Karienye 78, Jasmeet Chana 56.
