TPF JUDGE IAN MBUGUA TO JUDGE COSTUMES AT THE CONCOURS

The Tusker Project Fame judge Ian Mbugua who most contestants love to hate will judge costumes at the AccessKenya Africa Concours d’Elegance to be held by the Alfa Romeo Owners Club at the Nairobi Racecourse on September 26.
Ian will be joined by theatre personality Millicent Ogutu, a popular actress at Phoenix Players.
The 2010 Concours will be a landmark event with a festive style to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (Kenya). In addition to the costume prizes of fine wines donated by Domaine Kenya Limited, the organizers have introduced car and motorcycle Victor Ludorum awards. These will be earned by the Concours competitors with the best combined vehicle and costume scores.



Commenting on the costume competition, Ian said, “Costumes will be worn by a significant number of competitors in the Concours d’Elegance while they parade their cars and motorcycles at the Nairobi Racecourse. The fancy dress judging adds to the status and style of the event and is a popular gathering point for spectators in the Racecourse grand stands. It is hoped that as many entrants as possible will enjoy competing for the lavish costume awards.
“The choice of outfits has been left entirely to the competitors, but as the event is sponsored by AccessKenya Group and hosted by the Jockey Club, contestants are welcome to illustrate an Internet, or horse racing theme. Concours entrants are also welcome to wear costumes that suit their vehicles, or a festive touch linked with the prizes of wine.”
Besides the colourful attires and haute couture, Concours fans will see an impressive number of rare vehicles which have been entered in this year’s event. Among the 4entries on the car list are the 1952 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn of Roger Tanner. This British limousine will grab the attention of the Concours spectators and will also enrich the class for over 3,000 cc touring cars. A new entry in the sports car category is the 1967 Triumph TR 4A IRS of John Sawers. This will be up against two Alfa Romeo Spiders both made in 1972.


Other car entries include the 1990 London taxi of Stewart Samkange, Oscar Bigi’s 1938 Citroen Big 6 and the diminutive 1950 Fiat 500 C of Daniele Sardelli and his school friends who have called themselves “The Rat Pack”.
Concours stalwart Aruns Auto Limited has entered three cars with pride of place going to a 1968 Jaguar S. Both this prestige sports saloon and a 1972 BMW 2002 are in the final stages of preparation. In contrast the third entry is a 1974 BMW which is undergoing a complete rebuild.
The maximum entry of 40 motorcycles and 70 cars is laid down by regulations approved by the Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) to ensure high standards of judging.
The assessment of cars commences at the Total ramp where officials check the underside. Cars are then driven in front of the main Nairobi Racecourse grand stands while judges mark the external finish, the interior and boot and the engine compartment. Motorcycle judging follows similar pattern in the racecourse parade ring.