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This year’s Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) title race will culminate in a thrilling showdown at the Guru Nanak Equator Rally, set to take place in Nairobi and Machakos counties from November 29 to December 1.

Series leader Samman Vohra and defending champion Jasmeet Chana are poised to go head-to-head in the season decider, with only 14 points separating the two.

Samman, holding 66 points, needs a fourth-place finish to clinch his maiden KNRC Drivers’ title, regardless of Jasmeet’s performance. A victory by Jasmeet, coupled with maximum Power Stage points, would force Samman to secure at least 19 points to maintain his lead on a tie-breaker based on the “cleanest furthest rule.”

High stakes

The stakes are high, as a retirement by Samman could hand Jasmeet the title if he finishes within the top six. Jasmeet, known as ‘Iceman’, aims to retain his crown, having dominated various KNRC categories since his 2007 debut.

This year’s competition has been marked by intense battles, including three completed rounds in Eldoret, Nanyuki, and Naivasha.

Major force

However, the season was also marred by four canceled rounds due to force majeure. Samman’s 2023 debut has turned into a meteoric rise, while Jasmeet missed the Safari round earlier this year due to a delayed car shipment.

The Guru Nanak Rally, organised by the Sikh Union, will also serve as the season-ender for the FIA African Rally Championship (ARC).

While Kenya’s Karan Patel has already sealed the ARC Drivers’ title, attention will turn to ARC2 and ARC3 categories, led by Uganda’s Mike Mukula Jr. and Kenya’s Nikhil Sachania, respectively.

The action begins with scrutineering and a ceremonial start at Sikh Union Club on November 28 and 29, respectively.

The plan

Qualifying and the Shakedown Stage will take place at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, November 29, followed by competitive stages in the Stoni Athi area at the weekend.

Leg 1 on Saturday will feature six stages, including the 57.7km Stoni Athi test, repeated twice, for a total of 150.28km.

Sunday’s Leg 2 will cover three stages across 75.14km, culminating with the 14.94km SGR Power Stage, where additional championship points will be up for grabs.

The rally concludes with the Finish Parc Fermé and podium celebrations, where the 2024 KNRC champion will be crowned in a contest likely to be remembered as one of the most gripping finales in recent history.