Excitement as Nyeri County kicks off KCB Rally season

By Feverpitch Reporter

With everyone itching to drive again, rallying action returns to Nyeri County on the weekend of February 4-5 with the first round of the Kenya Commercial Bank eight-leg series KNRC zooming off.

With the New Year here, several teams have started their preparations in earnest for the event to be organised by Rally Sports Club (RSC) whose officials have been busy finalising the route.

Nyeri County last hosted rally action in 2006 when Nanyuki Rally Group (NRG) hosted the Day 1 spectator stage at the town centre stage attracting close to 7,000 spectators.

The idea by title sponsors KCB to introduce designated spectator stages brought business to a standstill in Nyeri then. But the last time Nyeri hosted rally proper was 36 years ago in the days of the Safari.

Most of the regular teams are expected back as the season welcomes new 2WD drivers.

McRae Kimathi, son of rally driver Phineas Kimathi, will make a debut at the wheel of a Hyundai Coupe and so is Jeff Mburu son of Peter Mburu. Jeff has previously raced in the Quattro Charge’s Intermediate Class.

His father has built him a Toyota Levin which he will use this season. Dennis Wairegi, son of 2006 Safari Rally navigator winner George Mwangi, will be navigating in the 2WD next season.

"I have sat with Kimathi and Mburu before. So who knows? My son might secure a drive with their sons this time round," said Mwangi. Cross country quad bike rider Murage Waigwa has been linked to the 2WD this season.

Meanwhile, the 2012 season starts with the KMSF Annual Awards on January 14 and the Hog Charge on the same weekend.

The East African Motor Sports Club (EAMSC) will organise the first round of National Motocross series on January 22.

Cross Country Raid, which features cars, buggies, bikes and quads, has five rounds next year. Last year the Ganatra-sponsored Cross Country Raid ran four rounds. The Enduro which usually runs 6 rounds has one extra event.

The Annual Rhino Charge takes place on June 3-4 organised by the Rhino Ark.

Related Topics

rally KCB nyeri