Thika rally gives fans reason to cheer

Issa Amwari of Keihin Maritime Racing Team has been seeded first ahead of the eighth leg of the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) to be held in Thika on Sunday.

Jasmeet Chana of Jaguar Petroleum Racing Team will be second off the ramp, while Eric Bengi of Menengai Cream Racing will rev-off third.

The round, which is managed by the Rallye Sports Club (RSC), will start and end at the Mount Kenya University (MKU) in Thika.

Scrutineering, sealing and marking of components will take place at Kasarani Stadium tomorrow.

While team managers and mechanics will be presenting the rally cars for scrutineering, the drivers and navigators will be out on reconnaissance to familiarise themselves with the route.

Spectators will be allowed at the KNRC championship following the recent lifting of curfew and ban on social gathering.

Fans will be allowed at the 31.13km Kamuthi’s Buffalo Hill stage which has allures of camping opportunities.

The Buffalo Hill stretch will be the centre of attraction as it will be run twice as CS1 and SS5.

Another part of the competition highlight will be the designated 3.2km spectator stage at the MKU Graduation Pavilion.

This stage will be repeated twice just as SS2 and SS6.

“Anyone willing to catch action at the Buffalo stage should spend the night there where tenting and catering services will be available at a fee,” Perry Wahu, Buffalo Hill Head of Communications said.

“Food and drink will also be provided also at a fee.”

Hellen Shiri, who is course clerk, said that Covid-19 guidelines will apply for everyone attending the competition.

Shiri, who is also the WRC Safari Rally Secretary, said fans will only be allowed access to the Buffalo stretch a day to the race-day.

“The essence is to avoid spectator traffic on Sunday given the fact that the stage will be live from 8:18am. Otherwise, those coming on Sunday can view action from the Pavilion,” she said.

“In terms of local sports tourism, KNRC events like the Thika Rally can be catalysts for economic development, through branding and better infrastructures.”