Vroom! Motorsport Kenya hits the ground running with grassroots rally

Kenya’s newly registered motorsport governing body Motorsport Kenya (MK) wasted no time proving its intent, organising a thrilling Autocross Championship at Stoni Athi Resort days after receiving official recognition.

Over 45 competitors turned out for the second round of the 2026 Shell Kenya National Autocross and Autocross Plus Championship on May 17, a show of confidence by drivers on MK as Kenya’s National Sporting Organisation for motorsport.

Joined by hundreds of spectators, families and veterans in what the fledgling federation is already billing as the start of a new chapter, there was evident new energy and optimism among the drivers.

Interim Chairman Carl Tundo, one of Kenya’s most decorated rally drivers, told those gathered that the sport was on the rise.

“This is a new beginning,” he said. The words carried the weight of a man who has spent decades navigating Kenya’s often turbulent motorsport politics.

What gave the day its emotional core, however, was neither the governance nor the grid sizes. It was a seven-year-old named Myles O’Neal.

Too young to drive on public roads but old enough to have a plan, Myles addressed a paddock of seasoned competitors, sponsors and officials in Class Two and left them momentarily speechless.

“My dream is to become one of the best rally drivers in the world,” he told them. The scene went quiet. Then it erupted.

Youth competitor Neel Gohil gave that moment a wider frame. Speaking on behalf of young drivers, he acknowledged what proper governance means to a generation that has known little else but institutional uncertainty.

“Today is an important moment for all of us as young competitors because we are witnessing a new beginning for motorsport in Kenya,” he said. “I would first like to recognise and thank the team that stepped forward and took on the difficult responsibility of helping fix and rebuild the sport for the future. We welcome Motorsport Kenya and the direction it is taking towards development, inclusion and professionalism.”

Gohil spoke directly to what events like the Shell Kenya National Autocross and Autocross Plus Championship mean for the next generation. “What Myles and the younger drivers represent today is the true future of Kenyan motorsport. The championship is giving young people a safe and structured environment to learn discipline, confidence, safety and sportsmanship from an early age.”

“As youth competitors, we are proud to see grassroots motorsport growing and creating opportunities for the next generation. Events like this are helping young drivers develop real skills, experience and confidence while competing in a professional environment,” he added.

“I would also like to thank our parents and families for the sacrifices they make and for ensuring that we have a platform to perform, compete and continue developing our skills in motorsport. Without their support, many of us would not be here today. We are proud to be part of this new chapter for motorsport in Kenya and excited for what the future holds,” he further avarred.

Of the more than 40 competitors who raced on Sunday, 15 were under 18. Children as young as six were on grueling 5.2 Km stage.

The event also signalled progress for women in the sport. Nisha Pandya, who began her motorsport career as a competitor, served as Clerk of the Course, evidence that the sport is opening doors for women not just behind the wheel but in positions of authority. 

Interim Treasurer Sangita Gohil reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to financial transparency and inclusion.

Veteran competitor Amaan Ganatra put the significance in broader terms.

“The registration of MK is something we have needed for a long time and means everything to me. For years, those of us behind the wheel have competed with passion but without the solid foundation our sport deserves. Today, that changes.”

“MK gives us a platform to grow, to be recognised, and to compete on equal footing with the rest of the world. Kenya has incredible talent, in fellow competitors, in young drivers coming up through the ranks, in the mechanics and co-drivers who give everything to this sport. All we have ever needed is the right structure behind us. I am excited about what lies ahead, for the drivers, for the fans, and for Kenya,” Ganatra said.

Carol Bengi welcomed the registration warmly. “We welcome the registration of the Motorsport federation. It will promote proper governance and structures that will encourage a level playing field for all competitors young and old, with the hope of bridging the current gap that exists,” she said.

Tinashe Gatimu spoke for women in the Motorsport. “We as the competitors were tired of the confusion and are happy to have MK as the registered federation and to have people in power who care for the competitors, marshals, officials and the stakeholders,” she said.

Tash Tundo, one of Kenya’s most respected motorsport figures, offered her congratulations to the new committee. “It’s great news for our sport. It allows for the growth of motorsport and for the development of our kids and women in a competitive environment. Congratulations to the committee of MK for all the hard work that has definitely been worth it.”

Motorsport legend Eric Bengi and Interim Secretary General, now mentoring the next generation alongside Ian Duncan, said MK would move quickly to engage local and international stakeholders and build professional structures across all disciplines of the sport.

MK itself was characteristically direct about what the day stood for.

“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 said in a statement.