•The team will head into the Salomon Kenya-sponsored race with a four-car line-up of Ankush Manoj Shah (Two-Wheel Drive Non-Turbo), Neel Gohil (Two-Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Junior), Qahir Rahim (Two-Wheel Drive Turbo) and Manveer Ghale (Two-Wheel Drive Non-Turbo).
Image: Samson Ateka
Team Jaguar Petroleum are determined to make an impression at the third round of the Kenya National Autocross Championship on Sunday with Rallye Sports Club running a twin-track at Kasarani's WRC Safari Super Special Stage.
The team will head into the Salomon Kenya-sponsored race with a four-car line-up of Ankush Manoj Shah (Two-Wheel Drive Non-Turbo), Neel Gohil (Two-Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Junior), Qahir Rahim (Two-Wheel Drive Turbo) and Manveer Ghale (Two-Wheel Drive Non-Turbo).
Ecstatic about Sunday's action, team tactician Shaz Eamail aka Coach said: "The National Autocross series has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years with several race categories being introduced. The series continues to churn out young budding talents across the country providing a worthy platform to the next level. The Jaguar Petroleum team is a group of young-budding talents hoping to make a mark in motorsport."
Team Jaguar's youngest driver is their fast-rising teenage speedster Neel, who currently tops the Junior Class after two races.
But the newest face in the team (also backed by Salomon Kenya) is Ghale, who made his debut in the season-opening round in Nakuru.
Qahir has raced in the championship since last year in Two Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Class and has since moved up to Two Wheel Drive Turbo Class.
Ghale said: "I have been given an amazing opportunity to race by my colleagues Qahir Rahim and Coach Shaz. My expectations for this year is to finish the RSC event on a high. So far so good. We are second in the championship as I have managed to finish third in both races this year. I want to keep it clean and tidy, bring the car home in one piece while still pushing for a podium finish."
Neel added: "The season started off well. I had problems with my buggy but in the second race I ended up with a win. I'm hoping to get a good result tomorrow (Sunday) and hopefully win the championship this time round. Last season I had a brilliant chance to do so against Brandon Ng'ang'a, but missing out on one race ended my spirited campaign. It's always a steep learning curve."
Qahir will be piloting the ex- Shaz Two Wheel Drive Turbo "Attacker 1" Buggy this season. "It’s been a good year so far. I won the first race in Nakuru. Then in the second race at Jamhuri Park, I cracked a piston but I still managed to finish and score some valuable points. We are really looking forward to racing at Kasarani. It’s one of the best exposure that we get in terms of circuit racing; nice long straights and a two-lane format, " said Qahir.
" We are really grateful to get sponsorship from Jaguar Petroleum and Salomon. The goal for a season is to give it a fighting chance and indeed to go for the championship title. We will take it as it comes as we seek to attend every race this season."