Apart from Kenyan drivers, the rally has also attracted drivers from Uganda, Burundi Zambia, Belgium and Italy with top car manufacturers expected to send scouts
The 2019 Safari Rally this week received a major boost ahead of this year's championship that starts on Friday in Nairobi.
The Kenya Motor Sport Federation on Tuesday received 50 Million shillings in sponsorship from KCB, this being in addition to the seasonal 25 million shillings received from the same bank.
This year's Safari Rally that has attracted 52 entries will be used to test Kenya's preparedness in a bid to bring back the World Rally Championships.
The rally will be flagged off at the presidential pavilion at Kasarani Stadium at 11 am on Friday morning after which the crews will set off for a grueling 796.86 Kms around Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru Counties.
Among the top contenders expected to spice up the competition are reigning two times Africa Champion Manvir Baryan, 5-times Safari Rally winner Carl Tundo, Zambian duo of Jassy Singh and Leroy Gomes and multiple Uganda Rally champion Ronald Ssebaguzi.
The Legendary 1994 WRC Safari Rally winner Ian Duncan, 2 times winner Baldev Chager and 3 times Nakuru Rally winner Onkar Rai will also be expected to spice up the strong field.
Apart from Kenyan drivers, the rally has also attracted drivers from Uganda, Burundi Zambia, Belgium and Italy with top car manufacturers expected to send scouts in anticipation of World Rally Return to Kenya in 2020.
After the flag off and a spectator stage at Kasarani, drivers will head to Sopa lodge for overnight perc- Ferme before embarking on Saturdays action in Soysambu and Kedon'g on Sunday ahead of the Prize giving ceremony at 4:30 pm on Sunday at Sopa Lodge
WRC Safari Project CEO Phineas Kimathi says the route has been selected and designed to suit spectators’ needs, “Kasarani stadium is hosting the Safari for the first time and offers Nairobi fans an opportunity to watch cars competing in the city. On Saturday, fans from Nairobi and Nakuru can view cars at Soysambu which is 10km from Lanet. Cars will go through the stage twice. Spectators who wish can catch up with the cars at Kedong where the last car should cross the finish at 2pm”