- Njiru believes local drivers will do well this year
- The rally is scheduled for the Easter weekend
- The Sports Ministry is also set to unveil a rally school in Naivasha
Veteran rally navigator Job Njiru has hinted at a blend of youth and experience being the key to Kenya’s success at this year’s WRC Safari Rally.
Njiru endorsed young rally driver Samman Vohra as a potential standout performer along with experienced and financially backed stars Nikhail Sachania and Africa Rally Champion Karan Patel.
Vohra, who kicked off the Kenya National Rally Championship season by clinching victory in the Eldoret Rally, has been backed by Njiru to make a significant impact in the upcoming rally.
Njiru, who has extensive experience in the rally scene, highlighted Vohra’s recent success as a sign of his potential to shine on the international stage. “Samman Vohra is a youngster coming in and would be a good person to watch,” Njiru commented.
In addition to Vohra, Njiru also threw his support behind local drivers Carl Tundo, Nikhil Sachania, and Karan Patel, citing their experience and skill as factors that could make them exciting competitors to watch in the rally.
“With all their experience, Sachania and Patel will also be good to watch,” Njiru remarked.
WRC Safari will provide good fan experience
Veteran rally navigator Job Njiru at a past event.
As fans gear up for the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha, Njiru shared some valuable tips to enhance their experience. He emphasized the importance of arriving early to secure a good viewing spot at the spectator stages.
“Go in early, at least three hours before the start, then you have the luxury of choosing a nice spot to sit, chill, and enjoy the cars,” Njiru advised.
He also noted that cars pass through the spectator stages at least twice, allowing spectators to witness the action up close.
Reflecting on the course of the rally, Njiru praised the organizers for creating a challenging yet breathtaking route that showcases the beauty of Kenya.
“The course tailors itself, you go in and things just twist themselves. The weather and road changes, but it is a showcase of this country,” Njiru said.
He highlighted scenic locations such as Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate, Soysambu, the Sleeping Warrior stage, and Lake Elementaita as stunning areas along the route.
With the WRC Safari Rally set to captivate audiences from around the globe, Job Njiru’s insights and tips offer a glimpse into the excitement and spectacle that awaits rally enthusiasts in Kenya.
WRC drivers to grace launch of Rally School
Sebastian Ogier celebrates after winning the Safari Rally. PHOTO/WRC
Meanwhile, Top World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers will grace the official launch of the Kenya Rally School which will coincide with Loldia Shakedown in Naivasha on March 27.
The launch of the Rally School will be open to the public and will take place immediately after the 5km Ntulele Shakedown Stage.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba revealed that the Rally school is one of the Ministry’s Legacy Projects that will be used as a yardstick to mould the next generation of Kenyan rally drivers.
Speaking during a ceremony to unveil the new Safari Rally Project CEO Charles Gacheru and his team, the CS also revealed that he is in talks with WRC Promoter to unveil the school as soon as the dust settles on shakedown.
Shakedown is a pre-race activity that helps teams to dust off the cobwebs as well as warm their engines well in time for action proper.
Ababu said: “We now start a deliberate countdown of 27 days through to Shakedown at Ndulele where fans will have an opportunity to view the first look of WRC Rally 1 Hybrid machines in action. We are now deploying our experts to deliver a world-class rally. Focus is now on the event and it’s all hands on the deck.”
The CS continued: “The schedule to unveil the rally school is tailormade to coincide with the official launch of the rally school, one of the key legacy projects of Government. His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto announced on June 9 during the Launch of Talanta Hela that the Rally School will be introduce to help discover young buddying talents.”
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