The 2022 2WD Drive Turbo Champion Qahir Rahim, legendary Ian Duncan and rising star Neel Gohil will be among the star attractions in Saturday’s Kenya National Autocross Championship round 4 slated for Lasarani on Saturday.
The event will see drivers fight for top honours in various race categories over four heats of which the best of three rule will be used to determine the final classification.
Among those listed for the event include Karan Singh who will be sharing a quad bike with past Champion Wayne Fernandes.
Duncan has entered two cars in the event and will be driving an Attacker Buggy and Ford Capri classic car.
Qahir has vowed to put the disappointment of the past few races behind him by going “flat out” on Saturday .
Qahir will start the Western Kenya Motor Club organised round as one of the favourites for victory and has also vowed not to disappoint behind the wheel of his buggy contraption.
“Im looking forward to this weekend’s autocross ! It will be an exciting weekend after a one month break. The team has put in a great effort to bring the buggy back up to speed. Asante sana! Wishing all competitors the absolute best this weekend. It’s head down and foot down from here.” Qahir said.
“The buggy developed a few ECU and mechanical issues over the past 2 races. But we stay positive and continue putting in the effort. Once again, kudos to Shazco aka Coach, Imran and the team for the great support and positive spirit,” added Qahir.
Neel, on the other hand, will be looking to post impressive heat times in his new Subaru machine he has since upgraded to.
He is jointly placed fourth in the Open Class with Rajveer Thethy.
Defending Champion John Kadivane currently tops the Open Class log ahead of Ahil Khan with Clement Marimi in third spot.
Neel, who won the Two Wheel Drive Non Turbo Buggy and Car classes last year, is still getting used to the Subaru which has its teething problems.
Saturday’s event will be Neel’s second autocross in the Open Class and his aim is to push the car as hard as possible to get to know where the team needs to make improvements.
The event will also be Neel”s second test after round 3 in Kasarani.
“Besides that exams are still ongoing until next week and no major plans for the year, we will take one event at a time as opportunity and circumstances allow,” Neel said.
The 4th round of the National Autocross series has attracted an overwhelming number of entries not seen in many years with 42 confirmed entries so far.
Shell coming on board as sponsors has put part of their sponsorship towards the drivers directly towards a reduced entry fees whilst Going Outdoor has stepped up to give each entrant a gift voucher worth Ksh. 5,000.
JCB Ganatra has proudly come out to ensure that the track is accessible and the event runs despite the rains that have turned the SSS Kasarani into a lake.
The three corporates have put back life into the sport and for the drivers there is hope for better things to come in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).
CONFIRMED ENTRIES
1. Ankush Shah
2. Amaan Ganatra
3. Amaan Ganatra
4. Sajad Khan
5. Murage Waigwa
6. Neel Gohil
7. Muaz Adil
8. Mustwafa .Murad
9. Rajveer Thethy
10. Fahim Abdul Malik
11. Wayne Fernandes
12. Karan Singh
13. Clement Marimi
14. Jose Sardinha
15. Jose Sardinha
16. Cheche Ababu
17. Gitau Munene
18. Qahir Rrahim
19. Stephanie
20. Githengi KImaro
21. Shabaz Anwar
22. Ian Duncan
23. Ian Duncan
24. Wangeci Mathenge
25. Hamraj Chatte
26. Danvir Chatte
27. Karamveer Singh Roprai
28. Ahil Khan
29. Safina Khan
30. Joseph Gachecheh
31. Suleiman Munya
32. Eric Bengi
33. Eaan Bengi
34. Allan Bengi
35. Carol Gatimu
36. Tinashe Gatimu
37. Harpreet
38. Azaad Manji
39. Gurdeep Bharij
40. John Kadivane
41. Afzar Malik
42. Azeli Ishmael