Michuki Hinga’s car in action during the fifth round of the Shell AutoX Rally Championship held on August 30, 2026, at Stoni Athi, Machakos County.
MACHAKOS, 30th August, 2026 — Michuki Hinga and his navigator Dennis Yaya emerged winners of the 2WD Non-Turbo Senior Car category during the fifth round of the Shell AutoX Rally Championship held at Stoni Athi in Machakos County.
The action-packed event, organised by 254 Motorsports Club, brought together drivers and young competitors who battled for honours in various car and buggy categories, with the competition testing speed, precision and driving skills.
Ankush Shah secured victory in the 4WD Turbo Car Restricted category after recording a time of 9:41 minutes, while Hinga posted 10:39 minutes to take the 2WD Non-Turbo Senior Car category. Eann Bengi completed the top category winners by taking the Cadet Junior 2WD Non-Turbo Buggy class in 10:43 minutes.
Speaking to the media, Vivo Energy Kenya Marketing Manager Joanne Nyaga said Shell’s partnership with AutoX was focused on supporting the growth of motorsport while celebrating the performance of drivers and creating memorable experiences for spectators.
“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 fifth round also provided an opportunity for the Shell brand to connect with the passion surrounding motorsport while supporting the people involved in the sport.
“This 5th edition of Autocross provides another opportunity to bring the Shell performance story to life while supporting the people and passion driving motorsport in Kenya,” she said.
Vivo Energy Kenya, through its Shell brand, is the title sponsor of the seven-leg 2026 AutoX Rally Championship, which runs from February through November. This is the second year of Shell’s title sponsorship of the championship, following its participation in the 2025 season.
Hinga dominated the 2WD Non-Turbo Senior Car category with a winning time of 10:39 minutes. Adriano Varese finished second in 11:45 minutes, while Tariq Rashid was third after recording 12:11 minutes.
In the 4WD Turbo Car Restricted category, Shah set the fastest time of 9:41 minutes, finishing ahead of Amaan Ganatra, who recorded 9:49 minutes. Tinashe Gatimu was third in 20:46 minutes.
Javed Lota emerged victorious in the Open Class after completing the course in 9:45 minutes. Junaid Shah followed in 9:56 minutes, while Ahil Khan finished third in 10:17 minutes.
The junior categories also produced competitive performances, with Myles O’Neal winning the Alpha Junior Buggy category in 26:05 minutes.
In the Beta Junior Non-Turbo Buggy category, Allan Bengi led the field in 12:29 minutes, followed by Sean Njumbi in 13:14 minutes and Mohamed Rayyan in 25:08 minutes.
Eann Bengi secured the Cadet Junior Non-Turbo Buggy category in 10:43 minutes, ahead of Andrea Tundo, who clocked 11:03 minutes, and Aayan Azim, who finished in 11:10 minutes.
Nazim Shah won the Senior Non-Turbo Buggy category in 11:28 minutes, with Leo Kangethe taking second place in 12:12 minutes and Amal Shah third in 14:07 minutes.
Muzammil Mohamed was the listed competitor in the 2WD Non-Turbo Junior Car category and completed the course in 11:08 minutes.
The Stoni Athi competition is the fifth round of the seven-leg championship, which continues to provide a platform for drivers to sharpen their competitive skills and for young participants to gain experience in motorsport.
The championship is scheduled to continue with the remaining rounds before concluding in November, with drivers expected to battle for overall honours as the 2026 season progresses.
