New Motorsport Kenya Body Hits the Ground Running with Thrilling Grassroots Autocross Event

By Shadrack Mutai – Nairobi, Kenya

 

Kenya’s newly recognised motorsport governing body, Motorsport Kenya (MK), has wasted no time stamping its authority on the local scene after successfully overseeing Round Two of the 2026 Shell Kenya National Autocross and Autocross Plus Championship at Stoni Athi Resort over the weekend.

 

The event, held just days after MK received official recognition as the country’s National Sporting Organisation for motorsport, attracted more than 45 competitors and hundreds of fans, families, officials and motorsport veterans in what many described as the beginning of a new era for Kenyan motorsport.

 

Interim Chairman and rally legend Carl Tundo hailed the event as a turning point for the sport.

 

“This is a new beginning,” Tundo declared, signalling MK’s ambition to rebuild and professionalise motorsport structures in Kenya.
One of the standout moments of the day came from seven-year-old Myles O’Neal, whose confidence and ambition captured the imagination of the paddock. Addressing competitors and officials, the youngster boldly stated: “My dream is to become one of the best rally drivers in the world,” earning loud applause from the crowd.

 

Youth competitor Neel Gohil praised the federation’s direction, saying young drivers were finally seeing hope for a stable and structured future in the sport.

 

“Today is an important moment for all of us as young competitors because we are witnessing a new beginning for motorsport in Kenya,” said Gohil.

 

He added that grassroots championships were providing young drivers with a safe and professional environment to develop discipline, confidence, safety awareness and sportsmanship from an early age.

 

Of the more than 40 competitors who raced during the event, 15 were under the age of 18, with some participants as young as six years old tackling the demanding 5.2-kilometre stage.

 

The championship also highlighted growing female representation in motorsport. Former competitor Nisha Pandya served as Clerk of the Course, while Interim Treasurer Sangita Gohil reiterated MK’s commitment to transparency, inclusion and proper governance.

 

Young rally sensation Amaan Ganatra described MK’s registration as a major breakthrough for competitors.

“For years, those of us behind the wheel have competed with passion but without the solid foundation our sport deserves. Today, that changes,” said Ganatra.

 

Veteran figures including Carol Bengi, Tinashe Gatimu and Tash Tundo also welcomed the federation’s registration, saying it would help bridge long-standing governance gaps while opening doors for women, youth and future talent.

 

The event received backing from major brands including Shell, Victoria Commercial Bank, TVS, JCB Ganatra and Gosport, a sign that corporate confidence in Kenyan motorsport may be returning under the new administration.

 

Motorsport legend Ian Duncan together with veteran Eric Bengi pledged support towards mentoring the next generation and strengthening structures across all disciplines.

 

In a strongly worded statement, MK said the focus had shifted from boardroom wrangles to development and competition.

 

“While a few individuals remain focused on boardroom battles and court games, the rest of the stakeholders have chosen development, competition and the future,” the federation stated.