By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
THE Samfuel Zambia Motor Sport Association (ZMSA) Copperbelt rally revs off from Mindolo Dam in Kitwe today with Geoffrey Chulu, who leads the drivers’ chart after some impressive performances in the previous two rallies eyeing to extend his 23 points lead at the summit.
This event, which is the sixth ZMSA national rally, will see 25 drivers jostle for points to close in on runaway Chulu.
Chulu, who won the Pembe Siavonga rally before claiming the Automotive Equipment rally, which was the fifth round of the national rally, leads the chart on 105 points and he will be looking forward to extend that advantage for him to increase the chances of winning the national championship.
In the previous rally, Muna Singh junior crashed out of the race in the second stage after hitting a tree but he will be hoping for a better show this time around.
National champion Kenny Mukosa remains in distant 39 points on the chart and every race counts for him to stand a chance of retaining the title but with a third place finish in the last rally, he will be eager to go for a top finish.
Toofail Dalal will be eyeing an improved performance after finishing fourth in the previous round with one hour 32 minutes on the clock.
The rally will also see Mohammed Essa, Farouk and Yazdaan Tiklay, Shabbir Amin, Chimanga Biyela, Kumaran Naidu, Kelvin Mhlanga, Jurgen Sauter, Miles Monge, Zubair Essa and Vyon Pinto in contention.
Other drivers are Chibula Kapala, Mophammed Hussain, Kleevan and Leroy Gomes, Fanie Vam Der Meschi, Aewie Dempers, James Prinsloo, Pienaar Louwrens and Gawie Nel.