WRC Safari Rally: Dust and Mud Affair as Third Leg Revves Off Into Action


President William Ruto officially launched the WRC Safari Rally 2024 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, March 28. 

While giving a speech before flagging off the race cars, Ruto said the prestigious motor racing event comes as a "truly special Easter holiday gift to millions of families to bond over a thrilling spectacle."

"You really can't find a rally as tough, compelling, beautiful and rewarding as the one in Kenya," Ruto added.



He confirmed that Kenya has made exceptional preparations on a global scale to offer high-quality racing venues and enjoyable activities during the shakedown that kicked off on Thursday and runs till Sunday, March 31. 

The rally drivers then made their way to Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium for a Super Spectator stage before heading down to Service Park in Naivasha for the three-day event. 

The rally has a lineup of 29 drivers and is being held at the Loldia Ranch in Ndulele Conservancy in Naivasha. Among the local drivers racing in the rally include 5-time Safari Rally champion Carl 'Flash' Tundo, ARC African Continent race champions Karani Patel, Hamza Anwar, Aakif Virani and Sommah Vohra. 



The annual rally takes various routes in Naivasha which are Loldia, Elementaita, Malewa and Soysambu.



Safari Rally 2024 Spectator Stages ✅ Thursday, March 28th – Kasarani ✅ Friday, March 29th – Kedong & Longonot ✅Saturday, March 30th – Elementaita ✅ Sunday, March 31st – Hell’s Gate National Park


Hyundai, the South Korean constructors, sent a clear message to their rivals at Toyota Gazoo Racing by securing the top two positions in the initial 4.84km Kasarani Super Special Stage in Nairobi during the third leg of the World Rally Championship (WRC) that started on Thursday.

Thierry Neuville, the speedster from Hyundai, recorded a time of 3:19.9, narrowly defeating his teammate Ott Tanak, the 2019 world champion, by a tenth of a second. Meanwhile, Kalle Rovanpera, the reigning world champion from Toyota Gazoo, secured the third position with a time of 3:20.7.




Simultaneously, Samman Vohra, the leader of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC), had a disappointing start to the international event as his Skoda Fabia experienced a double roll on the dusty terrains of Kasarani. Carl Tundo, a five-time KNRC champion, was the highest-ranking Kenyan, finishing in 16th place with a time of 3:42.9.




Safari Rally Action Takes over 'Vasha'

Meanwhile, the rally fever-pitch has hit the lakeside town of Naivasha with a blast. The town is vibrant with lively activity as fans, spectators, and rally enthusiasts gather in the area for a weekend of enjoyment.

Local businesses, including boda boda riders and eateries, are experiencing a surge in demand from the visiting crowd. Hotels are at full capacity, with some increasing their rates. As a result, visitors are having to look for accommodation in more distant locations such as Nakuru and Gilgil.



Various activities are happening at the bustling service park, which is the nerve centre of the rally.

Mechanics from the three major constructors are working hard, covered in sweat and oil-stained overalls. Power generators are continuously running, tires are occasionally bursting from pressure, welding machines are making creaking noises, toolboxes are dropping with a thud, and large cranes are lifting and moving materials. It's a scene of constant activity and commotion in this area.



The Service Park pavilion includes a VIP lounge where high-ranking government officials attending the rally are greeted and accommodated.

Furthermore, there is heightened security in and around Naivasha town to ensure the safety of both participants and spectators.

The rally benefits from an exceptional production team, employing both ground and aerial resources to broadcast live coverage to an audience exceeding 500 million viewers worldwide.

As the WRC Safari Rally kicked off at the KICC on Thursday, global fans can anticipate an exciting display of fast-paced racing against the backdrop of Kenya's breathtaking scenery. With the shared enthusiasm of drivers and spectators, it's clear that we're in for an unforgettable weekend of motorsport excitement.



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