The rush is on for the remaining last few places in the Africa Concours d’Elegance scheduled for September 24th at the Nairobi Racecourse.
Only a handful of spaces for cars are vacant before the list reaches the maximum of 70 machines. Once again, the entries for the classiest event in the Kenya motorsport calendar, promise to be a mix of newcomers and regulars.
Among the first timers is John Milia Ntoipo with a Daimler Sovereign limousine and Major Kelvin Leiyan, who will be putting his hopes on his 1980 Mitsubishi Gallant.
Participants in the event delight to show their machines to spectators and discuss the challenges of finding spare parts and in some cases having components made.
The greatest glory goes to the top three overall competitors, but there is also an impressive list of prizes in the 12 classes for cars, eight for motorcycles and for the best performances by various makes.
Long-time Concours supporters include Alec Davis with his 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider sports car, Jane Chemngorem who has a 1962 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia coupe, and Gayling May in his 1967 Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint.
Saio Mauro will contest the Concours in a Peugeot 304 convertible in the sports car category which also features a 1964 Triumph Spitfire, which was built to compete with MG sports cars.
The event has attracted entries from Tanzania and Uganda. Among the entries from Tanzania is a 1990 Lancia Delta Integrale which is under preparation by Arusha-based Navraaj Singh Hans.
A squad of four Mercedes-Benz saloons will be brought from Uganda to rival the Kenyan-based touring car entries.
Patrick Mweheire, the leader of the Uganda challenge is particularly pleased with his 1969 Mercedes-Benz 230S.
Kenya-based motorcycle enthusiasts are preparing unusual machines including a 1976 Bultaco Sherpa by Dominique Antoine.
Simon Christy is putting the finishing touches on his Kawasaki KZ1000 and Honda CB 400F.
He has an impressive track record having previously won the overall motorcycle prize and he has been the chief motorcycle judge.
The giant motorcycles at the parade ring will grab the interest of many spectators. Captain David Mwaura will ride his Suzuki GT750 around the parade ring in the class for large street bikes.
Another massive motorcycle in contention will be the 1999 Harley Davidson of Tumaini Muthiga.
There will be a big influx of motorcycles from the Pearl Bikers Africa and the Uganda Bikers Association to compete at the Nairobi Racecourse.
