As cars and buggies kicked up dust in Stoni Athi on Sunday 17th May, an air of excitement filled the air. Revving engines, good cheer and celebratory cake characterised the second round of the Shell Kenya National Autocross Championship. The competition was organised by Motorsport Kenya who were handed the legal mandate to take motorsports in Kenya forward on Thursday 14th May 2026.
New Track, Same Excitement
The new 5.2km Stoni Athi circuit had flowing bends and corners that took drivers through beautiful savannah landscapes dotted with acacia trees rising above green grasses that had drunk their share of the recent rains.
A Great Outing for Families
Motorsport enthusiasts have for many years moved like a family, sharing resources, advise and knowledge freely with each other. Adding spectators to the mix made Autocross feel like a huge family gathering, with those in attendance making it more about cheering each others achievements, and less about rivalry on the track.
Ice Cream Man!
You’ll find him selling ice cream at all motorsport events in Kenya, from Kwale to Kisumu, Nanyuki to Nairobi. A great supporter of ice cold refreshment for spectators, competitors and crews. His name is Mbithi.
Competitor Classes
The Stoni Athi track saw action from the following classes: Alpha Junior Buggy, Beta Junior Buggy, Cadet Junior Buggy, Senior Buggy, 2WD non-turbo Junior Car, 2WD non-turbo Class Car, 2WD Turbo Buggy, 2WD Turbo Car, 4WD with 35mm Restrictor and Open Class.
Action from the Track
Here’s some of the action that I managed to capture.
Meet Myles O’Neal
At just seven years old, Myles was the youngest Autocross competitor. His presence and participation show what is possible when talent is nurtured from an early age. He posted 05:37.479 in his fastest lap while driving a junior buggy.
You can follow him on Instagram.
Let’s cut some cake!
With this being the first event organised by Motorsport Kenya after receiving the mandate to take motorsport in Kenya full throttle, we were given the opportunity to line our throats with delicious chocolate fudge cake.
Autocross Winners
| Category | Name | Best of 3 Lap Times |
| Alpha Junior Buggy | Miles O’Neal | 17:03.282 |
| Beta Junior Buggy | Allan Bengi | 14:18.059 |
| Cadet Junior Buggy | Eann Bengi | 12:44.632 |
| Senior Buggy | Nazim Shah | 13:22.835 |
| 2WD Non Turbo Junior Car | Muzzamil Mohammed + Riyaz Ismail | 14:19.565 |
| 2WD Non Turbo Class Car | Michuki Hinga | 12:46.277 |
| 2WD Turbo Buggy | Gurdip Singh Bharij | 12:04.061 |
| 2WD Turbo Cars | Graham Shaw + Sophie Shaw | 14:58.469 |
| 4WD with 35mm Restrictor | Amaan Ganatra + Mudasir Chaudry | 11:45.387 |
| Open Class | Javed Lota + Konaine Yakub | 12:03.744 |
The day’s winners were awarded trophies by Ruth Waruguru of Vivo Energy Kenya and George King’ara.
Motorsports brighter future
With Motorsport Kenya holding a successful national championship event just a two days after receiving the mandate to take motorsports in Kenya further, things are definitely looking brighter for motorsports in Kenya.
It will be an uphill task getting things back to where the sport was 10 years ago but the backing of Vivo Energy Kenya through Shell Kenya’s sponsorship shows there is corporate confidence and goodwill from stakeholders and potential partners.
Spectators have been starved off great action for a minute; clouds have gathered and that drought seems to be coming to an end.
With the right leadership, motorsports in Kenya can get back to being the irresistible magnet it was for competitors, spectators and corporate partners.
