Winners of Shell Autocross feted after thrilling round of action

The second round of the 2025 Shell Autocross Championship delivered intense competition. At the demanding Autocross Plus circuit, Rajveer Thethy and motorsport icon Ian Duncan stood out for their sterling performance. 

Competitors faced dual challenges, tackling both the technical 1.9 km Autocross track and the gruelling 5.9 km Autocross Plus circuit.

Rajveer Thethy dominated the 4WD Turbo Class, edging out Harpreet Singh and Amaan Ganatra in a fiercely contested race.

In the 2WD-T Buggy Class, veteran rally champion Ian Duncan secured victory with a time of 0:20:16.400, demonstrating his hallmark precision.

In one of the day’s most competitive showdowns, Abid Ganatra narrowly beat Jose Sardinha to claim top honours in the 4WD Non-Turbo Category.

In 2WD Non-Turbo Senior Category, Altaf Ganatra delivered a commanding performance, finishing 30 seconds ahead of runner-up Jose Sardinha.

Competition was equally intense on the shorter 1.9 km circuit, where Thethy continued his winning streak in the 2WD Turbo Class, with Amaan Ganatra and Harpreet Singh Bhogal rounding up the podium places.

Harpreet Singh Bhogal won the 2WD-T Buggy Class, with Ian Duncan finishing second. In the Open Class, Neel Gohil asserted dominance, while Shabaz Anwar thrilled the crowd with a winning performance in the Quad Bike Category.

In the 4WD Non-Turbo Class, Jose Sardinha and Abdi Ganatra battled in what commentators described as a “herculean contest” for supremacy.

During the prize-giving ceremony, Vivo Energy Kenya’s Commercial Manager, Mark Senteu, acknowledged the exceptional skill and precision displayed by drivers on the challenging 5.9 km track.

“I commend all the competitors for their outstanding performances today. The level of competition showcases the incredible talent within Kenya’s motorsport community,” said Mark Senteu. 

“At Vivo Energy Kenya, we take pride in supporting the Shell Autocross Championship and walking on the journey of motorsport to push the limits of performance and inspire an entire generation of drivers in the future,” he said.

Mr Senteu also lauded the event organisers for their unwavering commitment to supporting young drivers to ensure the future of Kenyan motorsport remains bright.

“The dedication to nurturing young talent is truly commendable. The presence of Kenyan motorsport legends like Ian Duncan, Eric Bengi, and Baldev Chaggar – who not only participated but also mentored these young drivers – is the ultimate definition of youth empowerment. Their names will remain in the highest echelons of history for their selfless dedication to the sport,” he said. 

Seeing talented drivers as young as seven years old compete with such passion is a sign that the future of motorsport in Kenya is in safe hands,” he added.

Mr Senteu also acknowledged the significant influence of former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Ababu Namwamba, whose leadership played a pivotal role in championing young talent and shaping the landscape of Kenyan motorsport. 

“We are honoured to have a leader who, during his tenure as CS for Sports, inspired countless young Kenyans to harness their abilities. His ‘Talanta Hela’ initiative still runs deep in our veins, shaping the next generation of champions. We will continue to walk the path of greatness that you charted,” Mr Senteu said.

The event, organised by +254 Motorsport Club, attracted hundreds of spectators, who witnessed intense competition in both the Autocross and Autocross Plus categories. Forty crews were honoured at the colourful awards ceremony.