Speed demons back in business just three weeks after Namanga horror crash – Nairobi News

The speed demons of street racing are back at what they do best, barely a month after three Kenyans died in a horror car crash at Oldonyo Sambu area in Tanzania.

The tragic accident happened on Easter Sunday along the Arusha-Namanga road during a street racing event which claimed the lives of atleast eight people.

But according journalist Saddique Shaban, the street racers are back on Kenyan roads, faster and more furious.

Shaban made the claims in a tweet on Sunday.

The speeders of Nairobi’s Southern bypass are back. Weekend nights. Fast and furious. Young people drag racing, competing to do fastest laps from Langata to Kikuyu for money. Road fast becoming a death trap for everyone using the road. Police, NTSA helpless.

— Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) May 12, 2019

SPEED ENTHUSIASTS

A drag race is a competition between two cars over a short distance, usually a quarter of a mile, as a test of acceleration. The competitors drive at speeds as high as 200kph across a 10 kilometer without roll cages, harnesses or even impact padding.

Such races mostly attracts speed enthusiasts who enjoy racing and are often placed into separate categories such as AWD (all-wheel drive) and 2WD (two-wheel drive).

An AWD is a vehicle with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand.

POPULAR EVENT

A 2WD, on the other hand, is a vehicle that has a drivetrain that allows two wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously.

Most of these cars include Mitsubishi EVO X, Mitsubishi Galant Ralliart, and Subaru.

The races have become increasingly popular in Kenya, the most notable event being the Murang’a Circuit Time Trial Event 2018 (Murang’a TT) underground racing event that took place in March where several accidents were witnessed.

Street racing is an unsanctioned and illegal form of auto racing that occurs on a public road.