NAIROBI, Kenya 30th – It’s all systems go as the 2nd edition of the East African Race of Champions takes off this Saturday at the Jamhuri Auto-cross Track from the 4th to the 5th of November.
The event this year take place over two days bringing together Kenya’s top drivers and riders in a ‘head to head’ challenge of various motorsport categories including, 4WD, 2WD, Classic and 4X4 cars, buggy’s, quads and motorbikes on a 2 lane, 2km winding track at the Jamhuri Auto Cross grounds.
The East African Race of Champions is a replica of the 20 year old international event, The Race of Champions whose concept is a shoot-out between the best international rally stars, experts from other disciplines have given the rally boys more than just a run for their money over the years.
The Jamhuri Auto-cross Track will accommodate the head-to-head, knockout racing action and allow room for spectators to witness this new concept.
“With the increasing numbers of motor sport enthusiasts in the country, we looked for an event that will bring the fun closer to the city and redefine motor sporting as a whole”
Contrary to conventional rallying, ROC provides an up-close view of all the action to ascertain the best in each class”, said James Choru, EAROC Spokesperson.
Apart from giving the motor-sport fraternity an opportunity to compete amongst themselves and showcase talent, the event will also provide up-coming drivers with a suitable training ground at a relatively cheaper cost compared to running a whole rally which demands a service crew mobilization at prohibitive costs.
THE COMPETITION FORMAT
The Race of Champions concept uses identical equipment with drivers competing head-to-head in heats on a parallel track. They start alongside each other, race on exactly the same track, and finish side-by-side with the fastest driver racing in the shortest time taking the win in each heat. The sequence follows with each of the category taking to the tracks with the timings being taken from each heat.
The final heat will see the top 2 drivers in each class take part in the best in ‘my class’ to claim the title “The Champion of Champions”.
“Drivers will show their skills in front of a crowd of thousands, witnessing Kenya’s greatest drivers & riders fight it out in a unique battle in a closed circuit, the first of its kind in the Motor Sporting calendar,” said David Macharia, Rallye Sports Club Chairman.
PARTICIPANTS
Top drivers who have committed to take part in the event include include, 2009 Kenya national Rally Champion – Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo, 2009 and current leader of the 2010 championship 2WD Driver – Leo Varese, 2009 and current leader of the 2010 Motorcross Open class championship – Shivam Vinayak, 2008 Kenya national Rally Champion – Azar Anwar, 2009 & 2010 Autocross Champion – Steve Anthony.
The above drivers will fight it out with the current 2010 Division 2 leader & Winner of the ‘Innaugral 2009 Race of Champions’ (4WD class) – Alfir Khan who will be defending his title, former Motorcross Champion Anthony Nielsen who will be taking part in both Motorbikes class as well as a 4WD and Kieth Henrie also a Winner at the ‘Innaugral 2009 Race of Champions’ (Buggy class), Baldev Chaggar amongst a host of others.
Winners in every class stand to win cash prizes while at the same time boost new talent by exposing them to potential sponsors.
In addition to the above and in response to the spectators needs we have revamped the 2010 Event through a range of entertainment activities including but not limited to the following: –
AIRCRAFT/VEHICLE competition
Also lined up for maximum entertainment is a fully fledged Kids zone, a food court, photo opportunities in a rally prepared vehicle, A showcase of the latest supped up cars
And finally another “First of its kind in Kenya” – a ‘head to head’ Aircraft/Vehicle competition as well as a drifting competition.
Part proceeds from the event will go towards supporting the Kenya Lupus foundation.
