Kenyan crew wins Pearl of Africa Rally

Aug 16, 2014

In a rare show of speed and determination Ragbir Singh beat favourites Mohammed Essa and Gary Chaynes to win the Pearl of Africa Rally Saturday.

By James Bakama

In a rare show of speed and determination Ragbir Singh beat favourites Mohammed Essa and Gary Chaynes to win the Pearl of Africa Rally Saturday
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All Photos/Sentongo Mpalanyi

trueArthur Blick Jnr in action finished sixth

 


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Gary Chaynes, one of the rally favourites, flying his machine

The Kenyan crew of Singh and Timothy Challen was 30 seconds behind leaders Essa (Zambia) and Chaynes (Ivory Coast) at the start of the final section then flattened the speed pedal to cruise to a 42 second victory.
 

trueBaryan Manvin hitting a ditch during a gruelling section

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Mohammed Essa leaves dust behind in Kiweebwa village

“It’s great. We gave it our best in that last section. Thank God the effort paid off,” said Singh moments before the awards ceremony at Solver Springs Hotel.

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Omar Mayanja flying his machine

Ronald Ssebugizi, who was Uganda’s biggest hope at the start of the final day, fell out after developing mechanical problems. Arthur Blick was Uganda’s best driver finishing sixth in the two day event.

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John Consta in action on Saturday

Chaynes finished second to maintain his Africa Rally Championship lead. Third placed Essa is second on the continental rankings.
 

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Ugandan 'Super Lady' Suzan Muwonge doing her thing


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Former rally ace Charles Muhangi (left) taking in the action


Uganda started off on a low note with defending champion Jas Mangat dropping out on the opening day after a gear box problem.

The going also got tough for opening day leader Jaspreet Chathe who fell out in the decisive leg.

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