Neel Gohil (L), Amaan Ganatra and Harpreet Bhogal at the 2026 Motorsport Excellence Awards/ HANDOUTKenyan motorsport marked a defining night of recognition and renewal as more than 80 trophies were presented at the 2026 Shell Motorsport Excellence Awards at the Windsor Golf and Country Club.
The high-profile gala, held just days after the dust and drama of the WRC Safari Rally, drew over 600 stakeholders, underscoring the sport’s growing momentum and unity.
In a night defined by excellence, over 80 awards were handed out in a seamless, world-class production that set a fresh benchmark for sporting galas in Kenya.
Winners walked away with exquisite 24-carat gold-plated “Shell Apex” trophies and Bohemian crystal “Victoria Excellence” awards.
Among the standout winners were: Neel Gohil (Autocross Open Class), Amaan Ganatra (4WD Restricted), Suleiman Munyua (2WD Turbo), Azfar Malik (RX Rallycross) and Kanyali (4x4 category).
Two-time African Rally Champion Karan Patel was crowned Motorsport Laureate, while Harpreet Bhogal scooped the Motorsport Personality of the Year award.
Beyond the silverware and sparkle, the evening delivered a powerful statement of intent.
In a rallying call that resonated across the ballroom, Carl Tundo, CEO of the Safari Rally and Interim chairman of Motorsport Kenya, declared that the sport was done looking in the rear-view mirror. “There is no more time to keep discussing what is wrong,” he said.
“Motorsport Kenya is made up of drivers and navigators. When you take a wrong slot, you pull the handbrake, turn the car around, and get back on the right line.”
He drove the message home with trademark rallying grit: “The handbrake has been pulled, and now the car is not stopping until it reaches the finish line.”
Earlier, rally veteran Eric Bengi unveiled an ambitious grassroots programme, “Dreamed to Drive,” designed to unearth and nurture young talent from communities around the Kasarani Super Special Stage.
The initiative will take 20 boys and girls through a structured pathway from sim racing to karting, autocross and eventually rally competition. On the sidelines, Sushil Gohil outlined a bold five-year vision that could finally steer Kenya towards establishing a long-awaited motorsport academy. “This is about building a real foundation for the sport. Every child has a dream, and for those who want to race, we will create that opportunity,” he said.
