By SANDRA MWILA –
LITTLE-KNOWN Vyon Pinto was on Sunday controversially winner of the Meanwood Monze Rally after outclassing his competitors in the race which most drivers claimed was unfair.
Pinto finished the two-day event with a time of one hour 42 minutes and 16 seconds to win his first national rally round in controversial circumstances after he was earlier disqualified by the stewards for using a wrong route.
However, the stewards’ decision was overruled by the clerk of the course, Paul Monge, who opted to fine Pinto K200 and allowed him back in the sixth leg of the national rally championship.
Monge said a similar situation happened during the Zambia International Motor Rally where most drivers used a wrong route but no one was disqualified.
Despite him overruling the move by the stewards, Monge said their decision needed to be respected.
“To clear the air, my decision was contrary to the decision made by the stewards. However, the stewards’ decision irrespective of being right or wrong should be respected.
“During the international rally a similar incident happened. Several drivers used a wrong route to return to the stadium from the hotel. International stewards deliberated and no driver was disqualified,” he said.
Some drivers said it was unfair for Pinto to be fined K200 for breaking rules instead of being disqualified.
They questioned why they were given ‘road blocks’ to follow if other drivers had the liberty not to follow the routes.
“This issue of paying fines instead of disqualification will kill our sport, it’s not fair that other drivers should not follow rules,” they said.