The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Miguel Suleyman
12 November 2009
Tanga-based drivers Ally Kiraka and Jamal Nirmal are top contenders of the Two-wheel Drive Tournament ahead of the National Rally Championship (NRC) slated for December 13-14 in Morogoro.
Kiraka, the category's defending champion, said his opponent's decision to compete in Morogoro puts his title defence dreams in "real threat." The entries of the duo would spice up the national championship, which previously was dominated by Dar es Salaam's participants.
Randeep Birdi and Salim Haji have always been the household names, which have been attracting thousands of onlookers. "I still hope to retain my title at the Two-wheel Drive event, but I've to be very careful because Nilmar will also compete," he said.
However, Kiraka still harboured hopes to outmanoeuvre his opponent since he was trailing behind with 25 points unlike his 30 points advantage. However, both have a daunting task to overtake Birdi and Salim Haji who will be driving superior Group N cars.
Birdi, who has chalked up 200 points in his three rally events, is 40 points ahead of Salim Haji who has 160. Dharam Pandya is the Dar es Salaam's third top wheeler who has garnered 120 point.
Arusha's Sukhvinder Sian and his navigator Ake Lindstrom have now firmly joined the racecourse following their 80-point boost during the Mount Meru Rally. Sian, who won his first trophy on Sunday is placed fourth and closely followed by teammate Viren Shah with 60 points.
Other drivers with good points in the race include Gamdust Haji who has 50 points while Mohamed Digala, Kirit Pandya and Mohamed Sadick tie in the seventh spot with 40 points apiece.
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