When the Alfa Romeo Owners Club received a flood of car and motorcycle entries from Uganda for the CBA Africa Concours d’Elegance scheduled for September 30th at the Nairobi Racecourse, there was every indication that the event will have a full field of cars and motorcycles. A total of 9 cars and 19 motorcycles will be brought from Kampala to Nairobi to contest the classiest event on the Kenya motor sport calendar.
The annual Concours gives the owners of well-kept cars and bikes the opportunity to have them assessed by highly experienced judges while showcasing them to the motor enthusiasts who flock to the racecourse. At the same time, competitors also have the chance to win prizes in the 12 classes for cars and eight for motorcycles and there are awards for the best costumes and teams.
According to Lucy Mungai, the Concours secretary, there will be about 70 cars thanks to a growing interest in the “auto expo, the motor trade section, and the classic sale which is open to cars and bikes made 25 years ago, or earlier regardless of their condition”. Ms Mungai says that the Uganda entries include a 1987 Panther Kallista, which is a fine two-seater open sports car made in Britain using Ford engines. Kakooza Wazzir, who has also entered a 1980 Toyota Mark II Corona and a 1986 Peugeot 504, will drive this sports car on the Total Excellium inspection ramp and along the judging line in front of the main grandstands at the racecourse.
In 2017 Ronald Walusimbi was the most successful participant from Uganda in the Concours d’Elegance by winning the up to 2000cc touring car class with his highly prepared 1974 Mercedes Benz saloon. He has also entered a 1967 Toyota Corona. Edgar Katamujuna is another regular competitor from Uganda and he will place his hopes on his Volkswagen Beetle which was made in 1967 and will provide a worthy rival for Leslie Carvell.
At the same time, 19 members of the Ugandan Bikers Association will be riding their big motorcycles from Kampala to Nairobi for the Concours. Four of them will be participating in a fundraising event from Kampala to Cape Town and will arrive in Nairobi in time to join the other team members for the Concours.
The Uganda contingent has a strong reputation for winning the Trail and Enduro classes at the Nairobi Racecourse. In 2017 Gianfranco Masetto the Vice Chairman of the UBA and Antonino D’Agostino won these classes.
