Autocross to be held in Jamhuri Nairobi

Jadini Nzomo in a rare nosedive at during the sixth round of the KMSC National Autocross championship at East Africa Portland Cement racetrack in Athi River on Sunday.[PHOTO:COURTESY]

Ethnic clashes in Nandi Hills have forced organisers of this weekend’s National Autocross Championship to move it from Kisumu to Nairobi’s Jamhuri Park.

According to Equator Motor Club (EMC) chairman Manjeet Singh Sembhi, the decision to move the event is due to the fact that the circuit borders Nandi Hills, where clashes have erupted between two main tribes that live in the area.

“Unfortunately, our circuit borders Nandi Hills, where there are sudden eruptions of clashes between the two main tribes. It cannot be safe for the Autocross races. For that reason we are forced to move to Nairobi,” said Manjeet Singh Sembhi.

Beside safety concerns, the chairman said they are taking into consideration the support of the GA Insurance, who have come on board to sponsor all their events.

The event at the Jamhuri Park will take place on Saturday morning with all the major players expected to battle it out for the top honours.

Baldev Chager and Jaspreet Chatthe, who have dominated at the top of the Kenya National Rally Championship series, will now move their attention to the Autocross event, where they have equally grabbed headlines.

Over 40 machines are expected to enter the competition. The competition is considered to be fast and furious for special machines, where drivers are timed against the clocks with single machines racing around the twisty tracks at a time.
Unlike other clubs, which charge gate fees, EMC will allow spectators to watch the competition free of charge.

It will also give platform to the students of the Abdul Sidi Rally Academy to play a role as Marshalls, Time Keepers or Volunteers in the sixth round of the series.

This gesture is seen as a way forward in developing the sport with the new talent.