Rallycross revs up

Led by the visionary Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, the second edition of the Rallycross Championship unfolded over the weekend at the Machakos People’s Park in Machakos and brought together a dynamic fusion of power, strategy, and skill that etched a significant chapter in the annals of motorsport history.
The competition unfolded at the park’s custom-designed track which features a blend of tarmac and gravel sections, tight corners, and heart-stopping jumps ensured that pushed drivers to their limits, demanding exceptional skill and strategic brilliance, particularly in navigating the challenging six laps.
The event witnessed Eann Bengi’s triumph in the RX Clubs (above 1000cc) category, closely followed by Karamveer Roorprai and Cheche Ababu in the finals. In the under 1000cc category, Allan Bengi and Billy Tundo secured the first and second positions, respectively.
The RX 2WD category showcased a riveting display of prowess, with Neel Gohil, Sameer Nanji, and Joseph Gacheche securing the first, second, and third spots.
Unlike the traditional rallying, Rallycross races adopt a captivating format where multiple cars share the track simultaneously, injecting a dynamic and action-packed energy into the racing environment.
During the event, Tundo went on to share the allure of RX, describing it as “a thrilling and fast-paced genre that marries elements of rally racing with circuit racing.” Further, he highlighted the unique challenges posed by the relatively short tracks saying: “The tracks are usually relatively short, typically less than 1.6 kilometers in length, and are designed to challenge drivers’ skills as they have to adapt to different surface conditions within a single lap.”
He continued and mentioned that the RX consists of a series of short heats or qualifying races “usually lasting a few laps each.”
The historic debut of rallycross in Kenya, a groundbreaking event organized in July 2022, remains a vivid memory, as legendary drivers, including Carl Tundo, Asad Anwar, Tim Jessop, and Eric Bengi, graced the occasion with their unparalleled experience and unyielding passion.
Their presence illuminated the track, leaving an indelible mark on Kenyan motorsport and carving a monumental achievement in its history.