Nairobi — It's all systems go as this year's KCB S&L Mortgages Rally heads back to Kajiado.

With preparations for the event in top gear, sponsors and organisers are happy with the choice of terrain preferred. The event, organised by the Kenya Motor Sports Club, is co-sponsored by iWay Africa, Car Track, Highlands mineral water, ALS and Identisys counts towards the sixth round of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).

It starts at Nairobi's South C KMSC 'Clubhouse' at 7.30am on September 19. Entries for the rally opened on Monday with the Rallies Commission of Kenya Motor Sports Foundation (KMSF) approving its Additional Supplementary Regulations (ASRs).

Ashok Bhalla, the Rallies Commission chairman, said: "All competitors are reminded that entries close on September 13. Any entries coming through at the close of deadline will be deemed late - and as such - incur a fine of Sh4000."

Putting final touches

The restart at the KCB Kitengela Branch will be flagged off by Internal Security Minister Prof George Saitoti at 9am. "After flag off, the rally will traverse the challenging Kajiado terrain with the Service Park and the finish designated at Whistling Thorns. But competitors will recce on September 17 and 18 between 7am and midday," said Ashok.

Scrutineering takes place at the National Oil filling station along Haile Sellasie Avenue on Saturday, September 18 after which cars will proceed to KMSC "Clubhouse" for the overnight perc ferme. Meanwhile, drivers have started putting finals touches to their preparations.

The 1999 Champion Alastair Cavenagh hopes to maintain his lead with three events to spare. Cavenagh wil face stiff opposition from his Dalbit Petroleum teammate Carl Tundo, Baldev Chager of Oilibya and Lee Rose from Wladoil. Elsewhere, three-time motocross Open Class Champion Anthony Nielsen avows it's only a matter of time before laying his hands on a maiden podium position.

Driving with vigor at the KCB Micro Banking Rally in Mogotio, Nielsen secured his career best finish on his newly acquired Wladoil Mitsubishi EVO9 that he steered to a credible fourth overall position. "Getting home fourth was an absolutely great experience. We drove cautiously because we didn't want to break the car; so we were pushing but also being careful.

"We know we can do a little bit more. There is room for improvement and I believe we are getting there. Luckily with a good sponsor on board, it's now up at the top and no excuses," said Nielsen.