Christine Kagendo 
The sparkling 1966 MGB entered by Vitafoam Products Limited came third overall during last year’s Africa Concours d’Elegance.
- Over 40 Entries Already Received for the Concours d’Elegance;
The Africa Concours d’Elegance office has already received over forty car and motorcycle entries for the Africa Concours d’Elegance. The event is scheduled for September 29th at the Nairobi Racecourse and will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.
The Concours has full Africa continental status for cars and motorcycles and has been recognised and sanctioned by the FIM-Africa since 2006. The regulations are available from the website www.concourskenya.com or from the Concours office.
Entries already received include the Alfa Romeo cars of Rishi Chandaria and Gurvin Bassi. Hamed Ehsani will be driving a Morris Minor made in 1976 on the Quartz inspection ramp and then proceed along the judging line in front of the main grandstand of the Nairobi Racecourse.
Newcomer Pablo Kengara will be competing with a 1970 Fiat 500F and a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230E. He will be up against seasoned Concours competitor Dr. Joseph Aluoch in his large 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300 SE.
The Africa Concours d’Elegance Secretary Lucy Mungai commented, “This early rush by competitors to submit entries for the classiest event on the Kenya motorsport calendar indicates that there will be full field before the deadline. I suggest that those competitors who have not already yet entered should do so soon.
This will ensure their inclusion in the event and leave them free to concentrate on preparing their machines.”
Motorcycles entries already received include Captain David Mwaura and Lawrence Muchilwa who will both be riding Suzuki bikes around the Racecourse parade ring. Among the strong contingent of motorcycles from Uganda who will be riding their machines from Kampala to Nairobi are Gianfranco Masetto with a BMW R1200 GSA and Enzo Amato with a 2002 Honda Gold Wing resembling a car on wheels.
In answer to a frequently asked question on the method of judging of cars and motorcycles Peter Wanday the Chairman of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club and the Event Director of the Concours replied,
“We do not judge originality. Our judging is based on the level of preparation, the fit and finish and the cleanliness and quality of chrome and paintwork.”
“If a car, or a motorcycle develops an engine problem during the event and has to be pushed along the judging line the competitor will lose 10 points. Such a loss will greatly reduce the chances of a podium position.”
The assessment of cars commences with the underside on the TotalEnergies Quartz ramp. This is followed by the exterior by a pair of judges who check the interior and boot. Sitting inside the car they look at the dashboard, glove box, door panels, the roof lining and the seats.
Next comes the engine check with the focus on any sign of oil, or petrol leaks, dirt underneath components like the carburettor, the condition of wiring and the inlet and exhaust manifolds. Finally there is a road safety check on the condition of tyres, the functioning of lights and the hooter.
Before cars return to the competitor’s parking bay, competitors wearing costumes are marked for their fancy dress by a panel of personalities and individuals with theatrical backgrounds.
The costume awards are sponsored by the Wine Gallery and are separate from the Concours without having any connection with the car and motorcycle judging.
Among the past overall car winners are a 1928 Chevrolet, a 1934 Alvis Firefly and a Railton made in the same year.Veronica Wroe with her 1934 Rolls Royce Boatail has also previously taken home the top trophy. Motorcycle overall winners include a 1941 Indian Scout, a 1937 Moto Guzzi, a 1922 Douglas 4HP and a 1925 DKW.
