The 52nd Africa Concours d’Elegance organisers have reported a steady flow of entries for this year’s event, which will celebrate the anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club. Scheduled to be held at the Nairobi Racecourse on September 29th, the Concours is rated the classiest event on the Kenya motorsport calendar.
According to the organisers, the first Concours was a modest gathering limited to Alfa Romeo Owners Club members, held in the grounds of a hotel. Over the years, the event has expanded significantly and gained international recognition. Since 2006, the Concours has been recognised and sanctioned by FIM Africa, achieving full Africa Continental status for cars and motorcycles.
Among the notable entries listed is the 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE of Doctor Joseph Aluoch, a long-time supporter of the event. Newcomer Pablo Kengara is also expected to participate, driving a Mercedes along the judging line in front of the Racecourse grandstands.
The organisers stated that regulations for the twelve-car and eight-motorcycle classes had been circulated to regular and potential entrants. The assessment of competing cars and bikes will be based entirely on the standard of cleanliness and preparation, with originality not being considered. In light of the rising cost of living, the Alfa Romeo Owners Club has retained entry fees at last year’s levels. Regulations are available on the event website, www.concourskenya.com, and at the Concours office on the second floor of the Jubilee Exchange building on Mama Ngina Street.
The car assessment is set to occur in front of the main Nairobi Racecourse grandstands. Competitors will drive onto the giant Quartz inspection ramp for an underside check, followed by exterior finish, interior, boot, and engine evaluations. Motorcycles will be marked similarly at the Racecourse parade ground.
Captain David Mwaura will reportedly be riding around the Racecourse parade ring for judges to rate the bike entries while cars are being judged. Pearl Bikers Africa anticipates a significant influx of motorcycles from Uganda. Last year, 24 bikes were ridden from Kampala to the Nairobi Racecourse, and a similar number of Ugandan riders are expected to participate on September 29th.
