A horde of Ugandan fans traveled to Kenya last weekend to catch the 2018 Safari Rally in Naivasha.
The Ugandan fans proved to be more than nationals as their presence was very visible in the different stages of the event.
The show of support left Safari organisers elated at least according to the Kenya Motorsports Federation (KMSF) President and Director of WRC Safari Project, Phineas Kimathi.
“We were so delighted with the support of the Ugandan fans. It was fantastic seeing them in the stages.
“They really played a good role. The WRC promoter Oliver was so excited seeing them showing support to the crews. And they promised they would come in a thousands when WRC comes back,” he said.
However, the restricted access to the stages during the rally left several fans incensed.
“The rally went through private farms and the fans where charged highly. But we apologise for what happened. Next year, we shall try and find a better way around it,” he added.
While the show of support added some enegry to the event, Kimathi admits progress to the return of the WRC was made.
“We had a fantastic event. We were happy and impressed. I feel our visitors from WRC were equally impressed and quite happy and they believe Africa is ready to rejoin WRC.”
“I cannot say we had everything 100 percent. There is always a room for development, so there are few areas we need to work on.”
Safari Rally last featured as a WRC event in 2002.