With three rounds to spare and a solitary point separating the top two in 2WD Non Turbo Car Class, leader Sam Karangatha believes there is so much to play for in his tussle for the coveted title.
Karangatha will renew his rivalry with Daewoo Cielo’s Rajveer Thethy in the eighth round of the KCB Kenya National Autocross Championship which gets underway in Gilgil this Saturday.
The event is sanctioned by Kenya Motor Sport Federation (KMSF) and organized by Rift Valley Motor & Sports Club (RVMSC).
Karangatha has been fine-tunning his car in their Karen backyard and will be looking for a repeat of his victory in Nanyuki earlier in the month.
Being one of the few motorsport engineers in the country at the present, Karangatha has had a thorough going-over of his Subaru well in time for the weekend race meeting.
“It’s very important for us to maintain good results going into each round in order to remain within sight of how the championship goes. It’s going to be a hard push this weekend though to get maximum points. At the same time, we have to be careful because it's easier to get as many points as possible because first the aim is to finish and of course get as many points as possible,” said Karangatha.
Karangatha reckons that it will be important to continue perfecting his driving lines on the new track which has never been used for autocross events.
“We should be able to give it our best shot because our car is suited to the rigors of different terrains. There is pressure though, given that you have to maintain good speed to stay ahead," explained Karangatha.
This weekend’s event has attracted several top drivers.
Two Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Buggy Class leader and champion Zameer Verjee will also renew his rivalry with the likes of Gurraj Singh, Ankush Manoj Shah, Rahul Patel and Qahir Rahim.
Nanyuki winner Sahib Omar returns to the 4WD Turbo class up against the likes of Eric Bengi and Lovejyot Singh.
Sahib set the fastest Time of the day in Nanyuki and will be looking to repeat his stellar performance in Gilgil.
Junior categories are also sure to treat spectators to some exhilarating displays of circuit racing.
Round 6 winner Karamveer Singh Rooprai will be at it against Champion Yuvraj Rajput. Both drivers will pilot Magi-Bug 500cc buggies in the Bambino Class.
Kiana Rajput will be up against newcomer Eaan Bengi in Pee Wee Class while leader Brandon Nganga hopes to maintain his dogged campaign in search of the Junior Two Wheel Drive Non Turbo. Nganga hopes to vanquish round 7 winner Neel Gohil and lady driver Hanifa Yakub.
Whatever is up the sleeves of the speed merchants in Gilgil will be known on Saturday in the wake of the practice lap and official four heats, of which the best of three rule will play out.
KCB KENYA NATIONAL AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 7
2WD NON TURBO-BUGGY CLASS
1. Zameer Verjee 140
2. Ankush Manoj Shah 101
3. Qahir Rahim 78
5. Rahul Patel 46
2WD NON TURBO-CAR CLASS
1. Sam Karangatha 136
2. Rajveer Thethy 135
3. Sameer Nanji 61
4. Safina Khan 42
2WD TURBO CLASS
1. Loveyjot Singh 102
2. Shaz Ismail 97
3. Pabhjeet Sagoo 94
4. Azaad Manji 78
5. Deepal Shah 70
4WD TURBO CLASS
1. Loveyjot Singh 124
2. Sahib Omar 115
3. Eric Bengi 98
4. Murage Waigwa 40
5. Rehan Shah 28
OPEN CLASS
1. Hamza Anwar 125
2. Kirit Rajput 100
3. Asad Khan 97
4. Maxine Wahome 88
5. Asad Anwar 54
QUAD CLASS
1. Gurraj Singh 130
2. Wayne Fernandes 85
BAMBINO CLASS
1. Yuvraj Rajput 149
2. Karamveer S. Rooprai 122
3. Jairaj Jutley 17
4. John Jessel 15
5 Joline Jessel 14
JUNIOR 2WD NT CLASS
1. Brandon Ng'anga 120
2. Neel Gohil 115
3. Hanifa Yakub 32
PEE WEE CLASS
1. Kiana Rajput 119
2. Eaan Bengi 39
