Huge turnout as San Valencia Rally School is launched in city

An impressive group of 100 learners attended the launch of San Valencia KRDA Rally School at the Valencia Gardens in Lavington, Nairobi, on Sunday and were later taken through the motions of navigation by veteran drivers and navigators at the Jamhuri Park race track.

Started two weeks ago by former navigators’ national champion, Abdul Sidi, along with six aspiring co drivers, the second session at the San Valencia’s Anniversary Towers restaurant last month attracted 35 participants before the high turnout at Sunday’s launch session which was attended by drivers Phineas Kimathi, Azar Anwar, Asad Khan and George Mwangi who also imparted their wealth of experience to the students.

At Jamhuri Park, the students ‘navigated’ former national champion Anwar and F2 aspirant Charles Hinga in a one-kilometre, twisty section at rally speeds.

More than 20 volunteer drivers also took turns to be co-drivers of the students who were helped in making notes on the route by Sidi and George Mwangi.

Kimathi, the last African driver to finish the World Championship Safari Rally, said San Valencia was committed to helping sports grow in Kenya and, in particular, rallying which made him famous.

“We are happy to be associated with upcoming people because we believe health is important for young people,” said Kimathi who is a director of the San Valencia Group of Companies.

“School is boring as there are no incentives. But in this particular case, San Valencia will provide students with stationary, food and, in particular, Valencia Yogurt which is good for the brains besides hosting two graduation cocktail parties at Valencia Gardens,” Kimathi assured.

In 2006, San Valencia sponsored the Yoga brother - Willis and Ken - into the World Guinness Book of Records’ in ball juggling.

“When I return to rallying I will be looking for a graduate of this school to co-drive me,” added the former F2 champion.

Sidi said that he was happy to provide his services in retirement.