By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Over 800 Motorsport Crews Celebrate Excellence in Record-Breaking Awards Night
The roar of engines might have been absent, but the spirit of motorsport thundered through the venue as over 800 motorsport crews, families, and friends gathered for this year’s Shell Motorsport Excellence Awards. This marked the biggest attendance at a motorsport event in recent years and toppled the attendance at the 2024 FIA Awards.
The glittering ceremony, which celebrated a record 10 categories and honoured over 100 motorsport crews, was hailed by Vivo Energy Kenya Commercial Manager Mark Senteu as “the rebirth of Africa’s motorsport glorious pages.”
“Tonight is a testament to our commitment as Vivo Energy Kenya in reigniting the motorsport spirit,” declared Senteu during the evening’s proceedings. “I wish to laud the 254 Motorsport Club for this reawakened era of Motorsport Excellence.”
Honouring Media Excellence
The evening began with the Bob Dewar Media and Photography Excellence Award, celebrating outstanding achievements in motorsport media and photography. Named in honour of the respected figure who brought motorsport stories to life through visual storytelling, the category recognised several exceptional talents.
Earl Karanja claimed the Best Social Media award, while Turbo Tales, represented by George Kingara, Lukman, and Kerry, also received recognition in the social media category. Ferraly Media captured the Best Event Coverage award, demonstrating exceptional skills in documenting motorsport action.
In the photography categories, Mwangi Kirubi was honoured with the Best Action Photography award, while Brian Kigen received the Best Motorsport Personality Portrait award. Bonaya Adam received the innovative “Through His Lens” award, and Ishy Renu claimed the “Through Her Lens” award, highlighting gender inclusivity in motorsport photography.
A special moment came when Mbithi Nzau, affectionately known as the “Ice Cream Man,” received “The Keep Cool No Matter How Hot It Gets” Award, bringing levity and warmth to the proceedings.
Spirit of Motorsport Lives On
One of the evening’s most poignant moments was Mercy Ng’ethe, widow of the beloved late racer, presenting the Ben Muchemi Spirit of Motorsport Award. This award honours those who race with passion and determination despite personal challenges, embodying Ben’s infectious smile and spirited approach to the sport.
Under this category, Gurashish Singh, Gabriel Lauvaux, Ajmeher Matharu, and Olivier Lauvaux were recognized in the 4×4 category, demonstrating the unwavering spirit that defined Ben Muchemi’s racing career.
Nurturing Young Talent
The Vic Preston Junior Progression Award, presented by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, celebrated the next generation of motorsport talent. Named after the legendary Kenyan rally driver known for technical precision and tactical brilliance, this award recognized promising junior drivers across various disciplines.
Sean Njumbi, Bixente Rio Wyles, Aarav Chandaria, Myles Imbayi, Aahyl Shah, Kriish Vadgama, and Magana Luusa were all honoured in karting, representing the bright future of Kenyan motorsport.
International Recognition
The Shekhar Mehta International Achievement Award, presented by Doreen Odiambo, celebrated those who elevated Kenyan motorsport on the global stage. Named after the five-time African Rally Champion, the award went to exceptional performers in drifting, including Lu Jin, Amr Abdelnasser Alyaan, Steve Amaya, and Vincent Swaleh in tarmac racing.
Legacy of Excellence
Mark Senteu and Soumaya Haddad jointly presented The Joginder Singh Legacy of Excellence Award, honouring the pioneering spirit of Kenya’s first World Rally Championship competitor. This prestigious award recognized driver-navigator partnerships that demonstrated exceptional leadership and perseverance.
Notable recipients included Rajveer Thethy with navigator Shabaz Anwar, Issa Amwari with Dennis Mwenda, Andrew Muiruri with Edward Njoroge, Azeli Ishmael with John Ngugi, and Daren Miranda, all representing the finest traditions of Kenyan rallying.
Rising Stars and Pioneers
The Patrick Njiiru Rising Star Award, presented by the legendary driver himself, honoured emerging talent across multiple disciplines. Allan Bengi, Billy Tundo, Eann Bengi, Cheche Ababu, Karamveer Rooprai, and Muaaz Adil were recognized in rallycross and autocross categories.
Ian Duncan presented his namesake Motorsport Pioneer Award to drivers who demonstrated innovation and a boundary-pushing spirit. Jose Sardinha stood out with achievements across rallycross, autocross, rally, and raid categories, while Githengi Kimamo, Fahim Abdul Malik, Gurdeep Singh Bharij, and Azaad Manji were recognized in rallycross and autocross.
Champions’ Path
Baldev Chagger presented The Baldev Chagger Champion’s Path Award to drivers on their journey to greatness. Recipients included Neel Gohil and Wayne Fernandes in rally and rallycross, Amaan Ganatra with international Swift cross UK experience, and Ankush Shah, Harpreet Singh Bhogal, and the trailblazing Maxine Wahome in rallycross.
Mastery and Resilience
Five-time Safari Rally winner Carl “Flash” Tundo presented his Motorsport Mastery Award to tarmac specialists Sarmad Asif, Sam Ngunjiri, Eric Nderi, Sammy Munene Kathurima, and Leroy Otto, recognizing technical excellence and consistency.
The Tejveer Rai Resilience and Spirit Awards, presented by Onkar Rai, honoured driver-navigator partnerships demonstrating exceptional perseverance. Edward Maina with Anthony Gichohi, Gideon Kimani with Laban Cliff, Timothy Kinoti, Clement Marini with Edward N Ndukui, Jennifer Malik with Qui Mungai, Tinash Gatimu with Caroline Gatimu, and Pauline Sheghu HSC, OGW with Linet Ayuko all received recognition.
Trailblazers and Raid Excellence
Anne Troughton presented her Trailblazer Trophy to raid specialists, celebrating the spirit of breaking barriers. Rob Calder, Zane Young, Douglas Rundgren, Aadil Vayani, Carl Martens, and Chantal Young were honoured for their excellence in this demanding discipline.
Victory and Sweet Success
The evening’s later awards included The Jassi Chatthe “Simply Sweet” Victory Award, presented by the Africa Rally Championship winner himself. This category honoured more driver-navigator partnerships: Carl Tundo with Tim Jessop, Jeremiah Wahome with Victor Okundi, Karan Patel with Tauseef Khan, Nikhil Sachania with Deep Patel, Hamza Anwar with Adnan Din, and Evans Nzioka with Absalom Aswani.
Women’s Leadership
A decisive moment came with The Orie Rogo Manduli Sports Leadership Award, presented by Liz and Janice Rogo, daughters of the late trailblazing sports leader. This award celebrated women’s exceptional contributions to motorsport organization and leadership.
Tash Tundo was recognized as a lady organizer and competitor, while Karen Kinya, Joan Nesbitt, Stella Macharia, and Talam Ida were honoured as lady organizers and officials. This highlights the crucial role women play behind the scenes.
Mentorship and Guidance
The evening concluded with The Aslam Khan Leadership, Guidance, and Mentorship Awards, presented by Aslam Khan himself. These awards celebrate those who inspire and support the next generation of drivers.
Joe Muchiri, Kay Wachira, Musa Locho, Tariq Khan, Mindo Gatimu, and Umang Soni were recognized as organizers and officials. Richard Onyoni, Joseph Murai, and Shaz Ismail received special recognition for their triple roles as organizers, officials, and competitors.
Entertainment and Atmosphere
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to sophisticated entertainment, including a saxophonist during cocktails, acrobatic performances, Gen Z artist Young Pesa, folk fusion performances, and the Adotchi band. This created an atmosphere that perfectly complemented the celebration of motorsport excellence.
The record-breaking attendance and comprehensive recognition across 10 categories confirmed that Kenyan motorsport is indeed experiencing a renaissance. The Shell Motorsport Excellence Awards serve as the perfect platform to celebrate past achievements while inspiring future excellence.
As the evening concluded with band performances during dinner, the message was clear: Kenyan motorsport’s glorious pages are being rewritten, one award, one achievement, and one passionate competitor at a time.
