NAIROBI, Kenya, June 26 – Rally enthusiasts will henceforth be compelled to walk to get a healthy dose of their favourite sport following stringent measures adopted by Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) ahead of the July 5-6 KCB Safari Rally.
Rallies Commission chairman, Frank Gitau, announced the adoption of a scheme dubbed ‘Park and Walk’ that will aid spectators get better and safer opportunity to enjoy the action around the competitive sections.
“You can get to a particular point in the stage without driving in. You park your car and walk in. This is what is happening across the globe especially in Europe where people walk six to seven kilometres to get to vantage points,” he explained.
“This will also discourage consumption of alcohol and drunk driving within the competitive stages. I’d rather see 10,000 people lined up on a rally road than 50 cars on the same road,” Gitau added.
Event Director and local rally ace, Ben Muchemi declared they have eight designated spectator points for the pristine event in the KMSF calendar.
One of the points will be accessed via Mombasa Highway to Konza whilst other fans can use the Kiserian-Isinya road through to Kipeto. There will be another spectator point at the Andy’s Corner in Kajiado.
“We want to avoid scenarios where spectator cars go against rally traffic causing a potential safety hazard to both crew and themselves,” said Muchemi.
Three-time KNRC winner Azar Anwar, top 2WD contender Dennis Mwenda, the Haraka Mama’s duo of Joan Nesbitt and Tamira Jones.
Also in attendance was Richard Onyoni who returns to the rally scene after a four year hiatus in a Mitsibishi Evo IX which he has acquired and is being prepared renowned rally mechanic and technician Mike Mwangi in Nakuru.
This year’s Safari Rally will be flagged off from KICC before heading for the Spectator Stage at Jamhuri Park.
After an overnight rest, action will concentrate around the Kajiado area and its environs.