FINA BANK WEEKEND

Past winner, Sean Pelling tops the list of renowned competitors in the Motor Cycle category as the next round of the Cross Country Championship heads to Lake Baringo.

Machines ranging from motorbikes, Buggies, Quads to 4x4 vehicles are expected to converge at the venue between August 8 and 9 for one the most enduring motor sports activities of the season.

The event requires drivers to make as many laps as possible over a 48km loop within a maximum of four or five-hours of driving through mountainous, mud-splattering and river-crossing terrain.

The driver with the highest number of laps at the end is declared the winner in each of the five categories. Spectators are also set to view the spectacle at picnic sites with vantage points.

Others participants expected to spearhead the entry list include Enduro champion Harry Guelker (KTM 520), Mark Harding, Sean Willcork and John Rose, who is among the oldest riders in the class. Shazar Anwar (Polaris) will head the Quad class.

Rally Raid competitors endure some of the toughest terrains where human stamina and reliability of machines is put to test at the highest level of competition.

To ensure safety of drivers and to improve the quality of timing and tracking system, organisers have teamed up with Car Track. The company will fit tracking gadgets on all competing machines.

The company will help monitor the movement of the competitors, with immediate signals of danger being picked up in case of accidents in what are some of the most remote areas of the country.

The equipment will also help provide correct and accurate times of the competitors as they cross the finish line at each of the time controls.

The Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) series has been dogged by poor timing system.

The local premier motor sport event, the Safari Rally, has come under the spotlight of the Fia Observers, with negative reports on the timing technology emerging.

The Baringo event will be a test for the competitors, spectators and the organisers, considering the rugged terrain and the hot weather in the area.

"We intend to make it tough but entertaining for both competitors and spectators. The venue around Lake Baringo is scenic but will also provide a stiff challenge to the competitors," said Mike Borrisow, the event’s Clerk of Course.

The event is sponsored by Fina Bank