Steve and his son Russel are helping maintain Bill Parkinson’s legacy

Russell Parkinson (left) and his father Steve pose next to their Ford Escort MK 2 at the Service Park in Taita Hills in Voi at the ongoing East African Safari Classic Rally on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. [Courtesy]

Rally legend Bill Parkinson was a well-known figure in Kenya's motorsport circles.

He contested 14 of the original Safari Rallies with a Mini Classic victory to boot.

Sadly, Bill passed away not too long ago but now his son Steve and grandson Russell made a debut in the ongoing East African Safari Classic Rally (EASCR) to uphold the family name.

"We are racing together to further my granddad’s cause. He used to love and compete in the Safari many many years ago," Russell told Standard Sports.

"My granddad was part of the rally scene for a long time. So we felt it was necessary for us to carry on and come join these other boys (competitors) here.

"Our target which is to make it to the top ten is still on course," said Russell.

The father and son are driving a Ford Escort MK 2 which was assembled, prepared and built by former World Rally champion Phil Mills.

They are racing under Team Viking Motorsport.

"It's great to compete alongside my dad. We are having too much fun in this competition," says Russell.

The duo has competed together in the last two Top Fry Classic Rallies where they picked out on their strengths and weaknesses.

But this is the first time they are trying a hand together in the EASCR.

"Apart from furthering Bill's legacy, we are enjoying ourselves in this cool car," says Russell.

Russell reiterates that he feels great driving with his father who is also his mentor.

"Its cool, we had fun in the legs in Nanyuki and Amboseli stages were awesome. This is something you don't get to do everyday, so it's been too much fun."

Generally, Russell is a faster driver while his father is more sympathetic with the car.

So far, the two are pleased with their vehicle saying it has served them well, reaching the final stretch in Watamu without any technical hitch.