Meet Raj, architect of exciting Mai Mahiu Go-Karting project
By Barry Silah, October 23, 2019Raj Dadhley is in love with motosport.
For over three decades, he has been involved in mentorship, training or facilitation of racing projects in Kenya and beyond.
However, his biggest love is The Great Rift Valley (TGRV) track, a 28 acre Go-Karting facility in Mai-Mahiu, Nakuru County.
A look at the site gives one the impression of an ambitious project in the works, aimed at improving the standards of motosport in the country.
“This was something conceptualised between friends and family eight years ago. After consultations and agreement, we put in a considerable amount of money as a family to build the track. It had all the elements we were looking for in terms of space, accessibility and good environment. It took us one-and-a-half years to build and finish,” says the 47-year-old father of three.
The track itself sits on a 14-acre piece of land and was co-designed by a German engineer and Raj himself. Surrounding it is an FIA-accredited Race Control Centre, club house and rooms for participants with further plans to build an aerodrome like arena with spectator sittings and other recreational facilities.
“I had a dream and now it is slowly coming together. I am happy with the progress and what we have done so far for the kids coming up to practice or do races. Ultimately, we aim to produce champions,” adds the UK-trained civil engineer.
Through partnerships with Menengai Club the TGRV track has been hosting 10 National Championship races annually in the last two years besides giving school going children aged between five and 17 training sessions.
TGRV facility has 10 rental SODI GT4 Go-Karts for use by enthusiasts particularly on weekends and holidays.
“With our team of 10, we can cater for races throughout the year so that we keep the place active. We want to develop a racing culture in Kenya from the grassroots upwards. By partnering with Menengai Lemon brand, we have managed to acquire racing gear and boots,” shares Raj, who was encouraged to join the sport by his father, a former rally driver.