Photo Caption:Shell-sponsored autocross cars compete during a previous round of the Shell Autocross Rally Championship. The series enters Round Five at Stoni Athi on August 29–30, 2026.
NAIROBI, August 28, 2026 — Drivers will converge at Stoni Athi this weekend for Round Five of the Shell Autocross Rally Championship, with competition expected to test their speed, precision and ability to handle demanding racing conditions.
The two-day event, scheduled for August 29 and 30, will bring together drivers and teams seeking to strengthen their championship campaigns as the 2026 season progresses towards its November finale.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Vivo Energy Kenya Marketing Manager Joanne Nyaga said the company’s continued support of the championship was aimed at promoting Kenyan motorsport talent while enhancing the experience for fans.
“Shell’s continued partnership with Autocross is about more than putting our name on a championship. It is about celebrating performance, supporting Kenyan motorsport talent and creating memorable experiences for the fans who make this sport what it is,” Nyaga said.
Nyaga said the championship also provided a platform for talent, technical expertise and teamwork to develop while giving fans an opportunity to engage with motorsport.
“Motorsport brings together an incredible combination of talent, technical expertise, teamwork and passion. Our role as a title sponsor is to help create a platform where these qualities can thrive, while giving fans an opportunity to experience the excitement of the sport,” Nyaga said.
Among the competitors expected to attract attention at Stoni Athi are Shell-supported drivers Tinashe Gatimu, Caroline Gatimu, Neel Gohil, Suleiman Munyua and Michuki Hinga.
The round will also provide another opportunity for Tinashe and Caroline Gatimu to compete together as a mother-and-daughter team, continuing a partnership that has featured in previous Autocross editions.
Tinashe said racing alongside her daughter had made the experience more meaningful, while highlighting the importance of preparation, trust and teamwork before drivers take to the course.
“Racing is demanding, but doing it alongside my daughter makes the experience even more meaningful. There is a lot that happens before you get to the starting line – preparation, trust, teamwork and determination,” Tinashe said.
Caroline described the competition as an opportunity to learn from her mother while gaining valuable experience and confidence as a driver.
“Motorsport is about pushing yourself, learning and having the confidence to take on the challenge. Racing alongside my mum gives me the opportunity to learn from her while also building my own experience as a driver,” Caroline said.
Hinga said the Stoni Athi round would place significant demands on both drivers and their vehicles, making preparation and consistency important throughout the competition.
“Stoni Athi will demand a lot from both driver and car. The focus is on preparation, consistency and making the most of every stage of the competition,” Hinga said.
The event marks the second consecutive year that Shell has served as title sponsor of the Autocross Rally Championship, following the company’s partnership with the series in 2025.
The partnership forms part of Shell’s wider association with motorsport, including its longstanding technical relationship with Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One and involvement in the World Rally Championship with Hyundai Motorsport.
Motorsport provides a demanding environment in which fuels, lubricants, engines and drivers are tested under intense conditions.
Technical experience gained through racing has also contributed to the development of Shell’s high-performance fuels and lubricants.
Beyond the racing, the Autocross championship brings together drivers, mechanics, teams, sponsors and fans, providing opportunities for local talent to gain experience and visibility while supporting the development of driving and technical skills.
The 2026 championship is scheduled to continue through November, with Round Five at Stoni Athi expected to provide another important test for drivers pursuing championship honours.
