By SANDRA MWILA –

THE first round of the Zambia Motor Sport Association (ZMSA) national rally championship revs off today in Chisamba with 19 drivers eyeing a good start as the 2014 season gets on track.
Spectators were, however, yesterday given a hint of what to expect today when the rally proper gets underway as drivers showed off their skills at the super special stage that covered 100 kilometres at the Graham Raes Farm in Chisamba.
Leading the pack for the 150 kilometres rally is champion Ken Mukosa, who dominated last year’s stages winning three from the five races to grab the title from Jassy Singh.
The rally that has eight stages will have the super special stage at the Graham Raes Farm, located on the road leading to Chaminuka Lodge, which will cover 100 kilometres of the 150 kilometres total distance of the event.
Mukosa should, however, expect a tough race this time around especially that Jassy, who is the African champion, will not race in the continental challenge but will actively battle out in the national rally.
“I am ready, I know it will be a tough competition looking at the drivers taking part but all the same I am ready for the challenge,” Jassy said.
Also in the hunt for the national title is former champion Mohammed Essa, who missed most of last year rally owing to his involvement in the Africa rally Championship (ARC).
Essa said he wants to try out his new Subaru Impreza N12 ahead of the start of the ARC.
“This is the perfect opportunity to test the car especially that we are racing in the rainy season, in the mud and it will help me prepare for the ARC,” said the former African champion.
Other drivers to look out for include Farook Ticklay, who gave Mukosa a good run last year but could only manage a runner-up position.
Also taking part is Muna Singh junior, Ahmed Essa, Miles Monge, Shabbir Amin, Walter Wasamunu, Geofrey Chulu, Toofail Dalal, Mohammed Vimba, Colin Gander, Yazdaan Ticklay, Kelvin Mhlanga, Azim Ticklay, Dani Beani, Chimanga Biyela and Jurgen Sauter.
The rally whose budget was put at K30, 000 has been sponsored by Madison General, Manzi Valley, Automotive performance Centre, Group 3 Security, Kevin Exhaust and Quick Fire Extinguisher Services.
ZMSA vice president Sam Chingambu said all was set for the rally and called on rally fans to turn up in numbers and offer the drivers support.