NAIROBI, Kenya – The 2025 Shell Autocross Championship drew to a dramatic close over the weekend of Saturday, November 22, and Sunday, November 23, with seasoned and junior drivers delivering spectacular performances at the Stoni Athi Resort. Amaan Ganatra clinched top honours in the premier 4WD category, while Sean Njumbi distinguished himself in the Alpha Junior Buggy class, capping a season that organisers have hailed as a revival for grassroots motorsport in Kenya.

The final round of the national championship, organised by the 254 Motorsports Club, saw competitors navigate a challenging track under intense competition. In the Autocross class, Amaan Ganatra, with navigator Mudasar Chaudry, set a blistering pace in the 4WD with 35mm restrictor category. Their best-of-three time of 09:04.72 demonstrated superior skill and consistency, securing them the win. Sahib Omar finished second with a time of 09:14.51, while veteran rally driver Issa Amwari, navigated by Mwangi Kioni, completed the podium in 09:21.80.

The event also featured the increasingly popular Autocross Plus category, designed with longer, more technical tracks to serve as a training ground for drivers aspiring to compete in national rallies. Winners in this category included notable names such as Tariq Rashid, motorsport legend Ian Duncan, Neel Gohil, and Suleiman Munyua, who also won the 2WD turbo cars class.

A Glimpse into the Future: Junior Champions Emerge

A key focus of the 2025 season has been the deliberate nurturing of young talent, a strategy vital for the sustained growth of Kenyan motorsport. The junior categories at Stoni Athi were fiercely contested, showcasing the success of this developmental approach. Sean Njumbi was the standout performer in the Alpha Junior Buggy class, clocking a winning time of 11:51.01. He was followed by Kyan Githinji Gichuki (13:43.89) and Myles O’Neal (15:18.26).

In the Beta Junior Buggy class, Muzakkir Mohammed took first place with a time of 12:56.63, just ahead of Allan Bengi’s 13:51.01. The Cadet Junior Buggy class saw Cheche Ababu claim victory with a time of 09:45.84, continuing a strong season for the young driver. The strong performances from these young competitors underscore the championship's role as a critical incubator for the next generation of rally greats.

Corporate Partnership Fuels Motorsport Revival

The successful conclusion of the season was lauded by title sponsor Vivo Energy Kenya, the marketer of Shell products in the country. The company’s investment has been cited by organisers as a pivotal factor in the sport's recent resurgence, which has seen competitor numbers nearly double in 2025 compared to previous years.

“Today marks a splendid end of the season, we congratulate each one of you for your sheer determination and hard work to get here,” said Yvonne Samantha, Vivo Energy Kenya Marketing Manager, at the event on Sunday. “We are glad that Shell V-Power has powered your journey in Motorsport, as a brand we are committed to nurturing Motorsport from success to another.”

Vivo Energy's support extends across various facets of Kenyan motorsport, including the WRC Safari Rally, with a stated focus on empowering women and youth in the sport. This corporate backing, coupled with the organisational efforts of the 254 Motorsports Club, has revitalised the autocross scene, introducing new venues and more challenging formats to attract both drivers and fans.

As the dust settles on the 2025 championship, the focus now shifts to building on this year's momentum. The strong performances, rising fan interest, and a clear pipeline of emerging talent signal a bright and competitive future for motorsport in Kenya.