KMSF wants motor clubs to organise more night rallies

The Kenya Motor Sports Federation has called on motor clubs across the country to restart organising night rallies.

KMSF general manager, Mwaura Njuguna, said night events will create more interest and take Kenya back to the glory days, especially after Covid-19 caused a slump in the sports.

“We encourage clubs to start organising night rallies to allow us get back to where we used to be during the old Safari Rally days,” Njuguna said.

Speaking at the conclusion of round six of the Kenya National Rally Championship at the Mombasa Cement ground, Njuguna also called on more sponsors to come on board.

Mombasa Cement Ltd is one of the long-time sponsors of the rally. Others are Synergy Gases, Aquelle, Lota Motorsports, Sida, Texas Alarms, Vipingo Ridge, Coca-Cola Coastal Bottlers and Sling Shot Ltd.

“This weekend we had an event which is basically organised courtesy of  Mombasa Cement. They have always been able to support this event and they are also involved in KNRC and autocross among other events,” Njuguna said.

“We need more people to come on board to allow us to take this sport to greater heights.”

Njuguna commended Mombasa Motor Club for rekindling the memory of the Safari Rally by holding a night event.

The federation, Njuguna said, will work hand-in-hand with the clubs in their quest to host night events.

“We went down a little bit because of the Covid-19 but now are trying to get back to where we used to be and encouraging the youngsters to come in,” the KMSF general manager said.

He said the Mombasa event had youngsters navigated by the old guards where 12 cars were entered.

“We are trying to ensure that the youngsters have their place and be able to slowly release the new generation to come in,” Njuguna said.

The event saw 24-year-old Jeremiah Wahome bag his second career KNRC victory.

Driving a Ford Fiesta Rally 2 contraption and navigated by home driver Victor Okundi, Wahome sped to his second win of the season in a time of 02:12:12.

“Words alone can’t explain the excitement of my first national home win and second career KNRC win. And that they’ve both come in the same season makes this my best season ever,” he noted. 

Okundi said their 'youthfulness' was key to the win especially after they lost their communication system failed.

"Jeremiah's ability to memorise all his notes came in quite handy as we couldn’t hear each other at all for the whole 44 km," he said.

Anthony Nielsen, navigated by Riyaz Ismail, finished third in 02:14:18.

He, however, said they are not doing the championships but are just there to enjoy themselves as farmers from Taita Taveta county.

“We just do it once in a while,” he said.

He said they want to do the Classic now. Njuguna called on Sports CS Ababu Namwamba to give more support to motorsports in the country to encourage more women to get into the sport.