Track days in Kenya — A Rookie explains
Track days are now popular all over the world but they really made their commercial debut in the United Kingdom when famous race circuits began to allow ordinary folk in their ordinary road cars drive on the circuits for a nominal fee during race off-seasons. This has lead to an explosion of track day events all over the world with the Nurburgring perhaps being the most famous.
Kenyan race tracks
Unknown to most, Kenya used to have a vibrant motorsports community in pre-colonial era and shortly after independence. There were several race tracks with the Nakuru grand prix track being most popular of them. These old tracks have since disappeared over time and not until recently have we started to see the emergence of new and modern tracks, albeit for karting.
Road car racing has been a new feature of these tracks, especially during championship off seasons. They have quickly become the preferred avenue for motorsports in a safe and controlled environment. Due to their short, narrow and mostly technical configurations, vehicle speeds are kept to a safe low limit well under 100 KM/hr.
- TGRV — The Great Rift Valley kart track is the first new modern racing track in Kenya capable of hosting international kart races. It is 1.2 KM long and sits on the floor of the Rift Valley about 8 KM from Mai Mahiu town, Nakuru County.
- Whistling Morans — The newest and most technical karting track in Sub-Saharan Africa, this track is located 3 KM off the Athi River underpass in Machakos County. It is 1.3 KM long and features huge elevation changes, blind corners, hairpins and off camber bends. A truly challenging track.
Trackday Organisers
Amateur racing clubs such as ClubTT and Delta Motorsports club provide a platform for safe and fun organised amateur motorsports. They have a calendar of race events for the year and host trackdays to enable drivers practice, develop and setup the vehicles in a safe environment.
A track day is usually held on a Sunday, a few weeks from actual race day. Anybody can attend a trackday without need to be a member of the club. Cars as varied as Nissan GTR supercars, extremely rare and highly modified Subaru STIs & Mitsubishis EVOs to humbler Toyota Starlets have all shared the same track where everyone is welcome.
Safety requirements for participation include:
- Vehicles in good, legal condition as prescribed by law. This includes safety belts, tyres, brakes, suspension, engine(no leakage of fluids) and other basic checks.
- Safety equipment of a crash helmet is mandatory.
Trackday fees are typically KES 2,500($25) — KES 3,500($35) payable via mobile money before or on trackday itself.
Because the tracks are a fair distance offroad from the main highways, arrangements for flatbed towing can be made for drivers with lowered vehicles or those who do not wish to drive through the offroad stretch to get to the track. Auto movers is one such provider and would typically charge KES 4,000($40) each way for the peace-of-mind service.
Track Format
With the main purpose of trackdays being to offer an opportunity for drivers to practice before the main race event, the format closely mirrors the race format but without official timing.
There are multiple sessions and each session is composed of:
- 1 warm up lap form the pit area
- 2–3 hot laps
- 1 final cool down lap back to pit area
For each session, cars go on track for their lap runs individually with only one at a time allowed on track.
During session intermission, hire karts and private karts go on track for their share of hot laps making trackdays ideal for the whole “race family”.
Track safety
Due to the narrow and short nature of karting tracks, only one vehicle at a time is allowed on track. These tracks have been designed and built to international standard and have sufficient runoff areas as well as tyre barriers in dangerous spots. Spectator and pit areas are protected by solid barriers for added safety.
Drivers are however advised that motorsports is inherently dangerous and must sign a consent and waiver form. Drivers may also be held liable for damages to the facility while vehicle insurance may not be covered in motorsports.
Track Facilities
Whistling Morans provide access to a pressure washer to clean your car and a compressor to add and adjust tyre pressures. It is however always recommended to have these sorted out prior to arrival on track with power cuts being a major hindrance.
TGRV have shaded parking where drivers can stow away their convertible beauties and shield from vagaries of the weather.
Restaurants are available at both tracks and fun activities for children as well. Spectator platforms provide great opportunities for excellent photography and videos. The staff on both tracks is mostly accommodating and happy to answer questions and help out whenever required.
What Next
If you’d like to attend or even spectate(free) a trackday, be sure to follow any of the 2 organising clubs, Delta Motorsports & ClubTT on their social media accounts for details and notifications.