Duncan wins Safari Rally

NAIROBI (UPI): Ian Duncan, in a Toyota Celica, became the first Kenyan in 12 years to win the Kenyan Safari Rally as he finished ahead of Japan's Kenjiro Shinozuka in a Mitsubishi Lancer.

Toyota's third consecutive victory in a row came inspite of leading driver Juha Kankkunen of Finland crashing out in the second stage on Friday and teammate, Yoshio Fujimoto of Japan, being knocked out due to mechanical problems.

But Duncan, with co-driver and fellow Kenyan, David Williamson, and Didier Auriol of France brought home the two surviving Toyota cars.

"I was not sure of victory until the last three minutes," a delighted Duncan said after his triumph.

Despite his victory, it was unlikely that Duncan would be considered by the Toyota Team for international exposure.

Second-placed Shinozuka, who has been trying for the past seven years, remarked, "It is not easy, but I may come back next year". He had been rumored as saying that he will keep on trying until he wins then retire.

Debutant, France's Didier Auriol, illustrated the grueling nature of the event as he broke a total of six shock absorbers but finished content with his performance. "On day one, I did not know why I was here," he said. "Then progressively, I began feeling at home and I now like it".

Next year, the Safari Rally, which is plagued by both management and financial problems, will not count towards the world championship. Ford was a Notable absentee from the 42nd running of this specialized event. It will however count towards manufactures championships only, as the world motor sport body begins the rotational system of evaluating championships.

Final positions 1. Ian Duncan/David Williamson (Ken) Toyota Celica, 20 hrs 49 mins 2. Kenjiro Shinozuka(Jap)/Pentti Kuukkala (Fin), Mitsubishi Lancer, 21:14 3. Didier Auriol/Bernard Occelli (Fra), Toyota Celica, 21:59 4. Patrick Njiru/Abdul Sidi (Ken), Subaru Impreza, 23:30 5. Richard Burns/Robert Reid (GB), Subaru Impreza, 23:40 6. Rudi Stohl (Aut)/Juergen Berti (Den), Audi Quattro, 26:30 7. Karim Hirji/Frank Nekusa (Uga), Toyota Celica, 26:36 8. Sammy Aslam/Joey Ghose (Ken), Volkswagen Golf, 27:03 9. Rob Hellier/Phil Valentine (Ken), Mitsubishi, 28:04 10. Azar Anwar/Shailen Shah (Ken), Subaru Legacy, 29:54