NAIROBI, Kenya January 31 – Kenya National Rally Championship title sponsors have renewed their sponsorship for this year’s eagerly awaited season.
Speaking at the launch of this weekends rally on Tuesday, to be held in Nyeri, head of KCB Microbanking Simon Kariuki outlined the banks promise in supporting the championship.
“As we launch this years rallying circuit we are delighted to announce the renewal of our sponsorship in support of the KCB rally 2012 to the tune of Ksh 36 million. This funding will go towards facilitating the Kenya Motor Sports Federation in hosting the rallies throughout the season.” Said Kariuki.
However KCB who have sponsored the championship for the last eight years, three seasons at a time, have only committed sponsorship for this year.
“Since 2003, the first time we sponsored motor rallying; Kenyan motorsport has become synonymous with KCB. We have taken the rally to many parts of this country, entertaining and educating the public in the process while also building the banks brand equity.” He added.
Over the last two years, the bank has spent over Ksh6 million in community development support as part of the rally series.
“The bank, will continue to work with organizers and co-sponsors to support the needs of the communities in neighborhoods where rally would be hosted in areas of Health, Education, Environment, Entrepreneurship and Welfare in line with the mandate of the KCB Foundation.”
Meanwhile, Kenya Motorsports Foundation chairman Dave Macharia, confirmed that Green Hills Hotel is the host partner for the event.
More than 50 entrants have confirmed participation in the 2 day event that will see the Two Wheel Drive class competing alongside the KNRC.
A new class has been introduced, dubbed the Clubman Championship that will offer a chance to new rally drivers to hone their skills.
Fans will have the opportunity to view rally cars in full action at Ruringu Stadium which is also the venue for the service park.
After the February 4 spectator stage, cars will head straight to the Greenhills for an overnight perc ferme and restart the following day for the main rally.
The last time Nyeri residents last had a feel of turbo charged machines was six years ago when Nanyuki Rally’s spectator stage ran at the town centre, attracting thousands of spectators.
But the last time full rally action was witnessed in Nyeri was three decades ago.
