National Autocross Championship off to an action packed start

The fifth round of the KCB Kenya National Autocross Championship got off to a flying start at the Mombasa Cement racetrack in Vipingo with 38 drivers enlisted for race action.

The teams started off with an early morning practice run to warm engines but this was nevertheless not devoid of drama.

Defending Open champion Kirit Rajput kissed the Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) round goodbye after his Subaru GC8 caught fire in the early morning practice loop.

MMC Chairman Roy McKenzie hinted in an early interview that the drive round the 4.7km will not be a walk in the park.

"It's a 4.7km single track-smooth, fast, twisty and we are using a completely different setup from last year. It's longer and more twisty. Loose, smooth , wide," it's not going to be easy," said McKenzie.

Among the top competitors in the 4WD Turbo Class are KNRC Premier Class driver Eric Bengi, leader Lovejyot Singh and Defending Champion Sahib Omar. The 2WD Turbo Class, which is a preserve for buggies, has the likes of Shaz Email and champion Azaad Manji. 

The 2WD Non-Turbo Buggy leader and champion Zameer Verjee is going for his fifth win of the season in a Rage contraption.

Two Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Car has leader Rajveer Thethy and Sam Karangatha fighting for Championship points.

This year's Autocross Championship, now at halfway stage in Kilifi County, has been to The Waterfront Karen, Kasarani, Eldoret and Jamhuri Park Nairobi.