KBC news producer-cum-anchor Pauline Mwanzia and KTN’s Johnston Langat have pronounced themselves ready for the 2011 KCB Safari Rally.

The reigning Inter-Media Rally Champions, sounded quite febrile during a recent test-drive and were busy putting final touches to their preparations.While Langat savours his second KCB Safari appearance at the wheel of a Subaru Impreza, Mwanzia believes lady luck will smile on her spirited debut campaign.”The World Toughest Rally” traverses challenging gravel terrains in Athi River and Kajiado areas from June 17 to 19.

“I just can’t wait to see the car being flagged off at the KICC start ramp,” Mwanzia said.Langat has dominated the KRT Media Rally Challenge since its inception by the late John Ngunjiri in 2004 and is optimistic of dusting the cobwebs impressively on the big stage.

The Inter-media Challenge, currently under the auspices of Ben Muchemi, has featured some of the big names in the media fraternity including Waruru Wachira who won the maiden event during the days he headed the editorial at the Standard Group.

“We did the first leg in Thika last year but suffered turbo problems on Day two in Kajiado. It’s our hope that nothing unexpected happens this time round,” said Langat. The newsroom driver turned cameraman has also reigned supreme at Inter-Media Karting Championships traditionally staged at Nairobi GP Karting. His first ever appearance during last year’s KCB Safari Rally with colleague Saddique Shaban was stymied with mechanical gremlins, much to their chagrin. This time round, Langat will partner-up with KTN’s Head of Sports Robert Soi.

Mwanzia, on the other hand, got the opportunity to take part in the Safari after emerging as the top female driver during the recent KRT Media Rally Challenge alongside Standard Group’s Langat.

Admittedly, it’s a daunting task for the female news anchor but over the weekend she was being taken through the paces by Muchemi “Baba Ciru” on how to get acquainted to the Subaru N10 contraption that she will be racing in the Safari.

Pauline makes up the bumper entry of 79 drivers that have registered for the event at the close of deadline on February 3. Despite the fact that its her maiden appearance in the KNRC, Mwanzia believes that considerable speeds and focus will see her register satisfactory score.

Rally ace Muchemi who has sponsored Mwanzia and Standard Group’s Langat hinted at holding the next Media Rally Challenge in July rather than its usual December date.

The event is co-sponsored by Sunshine Sun Mayfair, Car Track, Identisys, Keringet, iWay Africa and National Oil Corporation. It also counts towards the fourth round of the Kenya National Rally Championship as well as the African Rally Championship.