Fina Bank has come on board as title sponsors for the 2009 Fina Bank Kenya National Cross -Country Rally Challenge.

Rightly so, excitement has gripped the Cross-Country fraternity with Rallye Sports Club (RSC) preparing to stage the season-opener in a completely new 56Km loop in Selengei area (approximately 160Km from Nairobi) on March 1.

The premiere round of the 2009 Fina Bank Kenya National Cross-Country doubles up as the first round of the Kenya National Enduro Championship series.

Fina Bank Chief Executive Officer, Robert Warlow, said they are proud to be associated with Cross-Country events as it’s the avenue through which young people get into the sport.

Warlow presented a Sh. 600,000 cheque to the Chairman of the Cross-Country Commission of KMSF Ian Duncan at Sarova Stanley to become the title sposnors for the three events.

Clerk of the Course and RSC Chairman, Dave Macharia said Fina Bank’s gesture was a major boost to off-road motor racing in the country “which keeps growing in leaps and bounds.”

Macharia reaffirmed that the choice of terrain - aptly challenging and technical - is designed to “accommodate not only motorbikes but buggies, cars, and quads as well.”

Fina Bank returns to the Cross-Country scene barely four months after sponsoring the third and last round of Nanyuki Rally Group (NRG)-organized Fina Bank Cross-Country weekend on October 11-12 incorporating the last round of the 2008 Kenya National Autocross Championship. Fina Bank was actively involved in motor sport last year also as co-sponsors for the Irushanwa Rally in Rwanda from December 6-7. 

The Cross Country Commission of KMSF led by legendary Ian Duncan has undertaken to lengthen events as a measure to prepare the country for the rigors of real enduro events. Macharia was upbeat in the wake of a rigorous route survey.

“The route is a bit technical, rough and twisty. But it’s conducive for all off-road cars and not particularly bikes,” Macharia said.

One of the most interesting and challenging aspects are two sandy dry river beds; one of which runs on a 7Km stretch and the other through some 17Kms of the Selengei River . “Luckily there are no rocks. This is a new route and I guess being unknown to all and sundry intensifies the challenge,” said Macharia.

The cars category will see the return of defending Champions Asad Anwar and his navigator Norris Ongalo in a Toyota Land Cruiser VX. They face stiff opposition from the likes of Nick Lakhani in his huge Land Cruiser and Captain Steve Waiyaki. Rhino Charge girls, Linda and Caroline, are leaving nothing to chance in their attempt to test the might of their male counterparts.

Sixteen year old Ken Anunda-son of former rally ace-Dave Anunda, is coaxing his Toyota Land Cruiser VX to achieve better lines this time round. “I just can’t wait to attack. I hope the car holds,” said Anunda.

 The buggy class has attracted the Soni siblings Chirag and Bhavik iof Team Magic, the Hughes brothers Mickey and John, 2007 Autocross champion Glen Behr, Simon Sharpe and Ricky Brandon.

Defending champion Shazar Anwar renews his rivalry with Mike Ogden in the quads class. The category is without Mike Ogwapit who is now switching to bikes. The bikes class is as volatile as the terrain permits. Quite a big chunk of enduro stalwarts are back to take up their familiar positions. They include Andrew Pleasance, former enduro champion Harry Guelker, 2007 enduro champion Anthony Nielsen, Doungu Smith and legendary Ian Duncan in a KTM 530.

Veteran John Rose is expected to race his KTM bike and so is enduro stalwart Moses Mugo (KTM 525). Shivam Vimayak who won the 125CC class enduro class is also back and raring to go.