Victorious youngsters Neel Gohil and Amaan Ganatra believe they are gaining much-needed experience behind the wheel as they make baby steps towards rallying.
The duo was in a class of their own in the fourth round of the Kenya National Autocross Championship over the weekend at Kasarani’s Super Spectator Stage Racetrack, beating experienced rally drivers to reaffirm their status as future motorsport stars.
Amaan, 15, racked up an emphatic double in 2WD Non-Turbo Car and 4WD Turbo classes, driving a RunX and an Evolution 9 respectively.
In the Two-Wheel-Drive Non-Turbo Car Class, Amaan beat Ian Duncan (Ford Capri Classic) and Jose Sardinha to the podium.
In the Four-Wheel Drive Turbo Class, Amaan beat reigning African rally junior champion Hamza Anwar to second while former 2WD Rally Champion Eric
Bengi settled for third. Hamza set the Fastest Time of the Day (FTD) in the third heat which he timed 02.11.260.
Cheche Ababu, son of Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, emerged victorious in the Junior Two Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Class, followed by Gitau Munene and Muaaz Adil to the podium.
Neel won the Open Class behind the wheel of a Subaru, which he’s hoping to upgrade to make it more competitive and fun to drive.
Amaan said: “In the 2WD non-turbo class, I came in first with no problems. It was an amazing day in the car. It was a very close battle between me and Hamza Anwar in the 4WD turbo class, with him getting the FTD while I won the title.”
Neel achieved the weekend feat with the FTD in Heat Two in 2.12.180 minutes to close the day with a cumulative total of 6.44.19.
He said: “It was a great day and excited that we were on pace this time round. I am now getting a true feel of the Subaru and of course, some seat time will help me improve. In the coming weeks, we are making some changes to the Subaru which will help us set better times.
"I take this opportunity to thank Shell for not only sponsoring me but also today’s event. This win is dedicated to the amazing team at Vivo energies.”
Shajad Khan was second in the Open Class ahead of Clement Marini, Murage Waigwa, Ishmail Azeli and Safina Khan.
Shabaz Anwar, son of the legendary Azar Anwar, beat former champion Wayne Fernandes in Quad Bike Class.
