By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Piers Daykin delivered a master class in consistency and speed to win the first-ever Equatorial Classic Rally, taking the top spot in his Datsun 280Z after a commanding run through all nine stages.
Navigated by Lloyd Destro, Daykin won 8 out of the 9 stages, finishing with a total time of 07:13:37.0, and firmly stamping his authority on the 3 day rally from start to finish and also winning his first ever classic rally.
Farhaaz Khan co-driven by Africa Rally Champion navigator Tauseef Khan, pushed hard in their Porsche 911 settled for second place with a total time of 07:53:52.3, finishing 40 minutes: 15.3 seconds behind the leader.
Rounding out the podium was Jonathan Somen and navigator Richard Heckle in a Ford Escort MK2, who posted a solid performance to finish in 07:59:11.0.
Meanwhile, motorsport legend Ian Duncan who had a good run through day 1 and 2 endured a tough third day on the road.
Driving a Datsun 280Z and navigated by Des Page Morris, Duncan was forced to battle through a mix of mechanical problems, including hub damage earlier in the day and a puncture on Stage 9, which significantly hampered his overall time and position.
My second place note rally ever and am not the most experienced driver ever but we managed. We made a big effort from day 1 to try and through. It’s the first time we have won. First ever it’s just incredible,” said Piers Daykin.
On his part, Lloyd Destro said: “First rally with Pierce was last year and being first on the road like this was and being in a situation like this all you can do is get the notes up for the good of the both of you.
The grueling stretch from Stage 7, Pusa to Mariwenyi — proved to be a true test of endurance and machinery, claiming two major contenders in what has already become one of the unpredictable stages of the competition.
Falling victim to the punishing terrain was the team of Max Wolstenholme and Victor Okundi in their Toyota Corolla 100.
The pair had battled a persistent brake issue since yesterday, and today, their rally came to a halt after the car developed engine problems — a double blow that left them no choice but to withdraw from the stage.
Several seasoned drivers were also unfortunately forced to retire due to mechanical setbacks. Jack Askew battled multiple issues throughout the rally, ultimately leading to his withdrawal from the competition.
Jose Sardiha and navigator Mudasar Chaudry in a VW Golf, we’re sidelined after suffering a broken drive shaft. Meanwhile, Shakeel Khan and Assad Mughal run came to an end when their Ford Escort MK1 sustained damage to one of its suspension arms.
