Naivasha is set for another motorsport weekend as the Chloride Exide-sponsored Hill Climb moves to Malewa Bay on Saturday and Sunday, following the Guru Nanak Rally that closed the championship last weekend.
Race director Gurvir Bhabra is leading preparations alongside Deven Jadeja, Hardeep Rehsi and Anwar Sidi as officials put the final details in place for the off-road event.
One of the headline entrants is Tim Jessop, who competed in a buggy in the previous round of the series and arrives in Naivasha after winning the 2018 Kenya National Rally Championship navigators title. Jessop said: “I feel proud and happy to hold a big record in the sport. My tally of wins and championships across all main disciplines speaks for itself which includes Motocross Championship 2014/2015, Five KNRC titles, Five Safari Rally wins, One Classic Rally victory, One Rally Raid Buggy championship and a new achievement in the 2018 as Enduro champion,”
Vicky Karugu, the Malewa Bay chief executive officer, said the venue was ready for fans and competitors. “I eagerly anticipate the weekend of flat-out action which promises once again to be exciting and spectacular. All the fans are welcome to our beautiful and entertaining venue,” he said.
More than 50 competitors are expected, including leading Kenya National Rally Championship drivers and the ladies’ team of Linda Hughes, Syaana Jessop and Chantel Young.
The course at Malewa Bay sits on the Moi North Lake road, about 21 kilometres from the Delamare shops on the Naivasha/Nairobi highway. Provisionally, racing will begin at 8am on both days.
The circuit will cover three kilometres and climb from 1,900 metres to 2,100 metres in altitude. Seven classes are on the programme: bikes, quads, 4WDs, raids, classics, buggies and juniors, with machines ranging from ordinary rally cars to motorcycles and buggies.
Jessop’s record also underlines the range of disciplines he has collected over the years, including the Motocross Championship in 2014/2015, five KNRC titles, five Safari Rally wins, one Classic Rally victory, one Rally Raid Buggy championship and the 2018 Enduro crown.
