Spectators Cautioned Against Tough New Traffic Rules Ahead Of GURU NANAK Rally
Drinking and driving -which are responsible for a number of wanton road carnages recorded along highways during past rally events -will soon be a thing of the past.
Organizers of the 33rd KCB Guru Nanak Rally are warning all spectators against "silly" traffic offenses which could cost them a fortune or even land them in jail.
The new traffic regulations have several punishable breaches like speeding which will see drivers risking a fine of 10,000 or three months in jail. Careless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol- which is common with rally spectators -will attract a fine of Ksh 0.5million or 10 year imprisonment.
"We shall have a number of Police Checks for all spectators accessing the rally venues and I pity those who will not comply with the new rules as they will find themselves in custody," cautioned Pipi Renu who is in charge of marshals.
Spectators have also been asked to respect marshals' instructions.
Rally navigator and a member of the Motorsports Safety Commission Julius Ngigi, on his part, called on spectators to exercise restrain during the Rally and avoid alcohol consumption.
"For those of you have not read the new traffic rules, please do so as drinking and careless driving could land you in deep trouble if caught by police," said Ngigi who navigates Azar Anwar.
In a bid to restore sanity during the rallies, organizers Sikh Union have vowed they will work hand in hand with the Police to ensure that this vice is eliminated.
"The Guru Nanak edition this year will serve as a very good example to those drunken fans who continue to lose their life as a result of drinking and careless driving," added Pipi.
Meanwhile, the KCB Guru Nanak will be flagged off tomorrow at KCB Kikuyu branch from 8am onwards.
Today, scrutineering continues at Sikh Union Club on Forest Road. Recce started on Friday and ends today.
Safaricom team member Nzioka Waita was upbeat after reconnaissance: "Yes, we are hoping to put the mechanical gremlins from the Eldoret rally behind us and we are aiming for a strong finish to the season-ender."' Adnan Din and Stuart Cohen are among star attractions in the SPV (Specially Prepared Cars) class expected to rekindle the memories of Ian Duncan's massive Pick Ups which reigned supreme in Kenya National Rally Championships a few years back.
Besides Haq, other Rally Raid bigwigs lined up for Guru Nanak include Eric Bengi who will be coming with a Land Rover Discovery and Nish Lakhani who will be steering a car christened "Kenya Cat", one of the non-homolagated cars in the event.
Lakhani is the defending champion in the Car Class.
Haq and Cohen, who will be competing in a Land Rover Ebowler, captured the imaginations of many when they won the season-closing Raid at the same setting (Kedong) and should have something up their sleeves to make yet another breakthrough.
Railways Club is currently hosting a Professional-Amateur (Pro-Am) Golf tournament whose dates clash with the KCB Guru Nanak Rally and Cohen was spoilt for choice as to which one he should attend before settling on the later event since he will just be making his debut.
"I must say I was spoilt for choice and since I was burning with enthusiasm to make a maiden appearance in the Rally I had no choice but to submit my entries. It feels good for me to once again navigate Haq," said Cohen who is among the top 20 golfers in the country.
Haq was all smiles after test driving at the weekend.
"The Rally Raid was very tough, new event, new navigator, first time for Stuart to call the pace notes but we did really to win our class even in very wet conditions. I'm doing the Guru Nanak rally to train Stuart on reading pace notes and a test for our new Range Rover ebowler, the car is still under development and we plan to tackle the Raid Championship and some national rally events in 2013. The car has been build from scratch at our work shop, Max Auto Worx. We are working on getting sponsors for the next Season," said Haq.