From a distance, the police escort sirens gave an alert of the drivers’ arrival to the big crowd gathered at the Safari centre in Naivasha.

The crowd was here to get penned autographs and photos from these top tire drivers.

Roaring engines, loud turbos and great cheers filled the atmosphere as the drivers arrived at the venue.

Being the first time in the run of WRC (Kenya Safari rally) that fans got a chance to interact with the drivers at a one on one level, they could not just miss out on the chance.

One could not miss the wide smile on young kids and some adults as they watched the rally drivers spin the wheel as they parked their cars ready to give the autographs.

Whoever had a smartphone, had it out seizing the moment.

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Once the drivers settled at the designated spots, hundreds of people quickly fixed themselves in a cue to get the autographs.

Caps, T-shirts, notebooks, fliers, mugs are some of the things presented to the drivers to append their signatures on.

Those who did not have tangible objects to have the autographs put on, resulted in having them done on their bodies, with many having them done on their palms or arms.

A fan getting her autograph done on her arm by Kenyan Rally Driver Jeremiah Wahome of Safaricom team.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Over 20 drivers made it to the venue including Jeremiah Wahome, Takamoto Katsuta, Ott-Tanaka, Pierre-Louis, Hamza Anwar among others.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Maryanne Lang'at noted that she enjoyed the experience and she was glad she got the autographs in the company of her children.

" The autograph was quickly done and I enjoyed my time here. My children too were thrilled to interact with the drivers and even got a chance to have photos. I hope for an even exciting day tomorrow as the car gets on the rallying grounds here in Naivasha, " says Ms Lang'at.

WRC drivers signing autographs at Safari centre in Naivasha

Mr Gilbert on the other hand could not hide his joy, noting that meeting the WRC drivers in person today was a big moment for him.

"This is my first time talking to the drivers and I am so thrilled. Few Kenyans get to experience this. I am glad I made it to Safari centre today. I also loved the roars from the vehicles as they made their way to the parking lot," says Mr Gilbert.

This year WRC marks the 70th edition and residents cannot wait to get to the spectator stage on dusty plains to witness the greatness and thrill derived from watching these races.

Wanjirukinuthia20@gmail.com

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Purity Kinuthia