By Eddah Waithaka
All roads lead to Stoni Athi this weekend as the Shell Autocross Rally Championship 2026 reaches its fifth round on 29 and 30 August. Drivers and teams brace for a gruelling test of speed, precision, endurance and technical preparation, with the winners set to be crowned on Sunday.
The event marks the second consecutive year that Shell serves as title sponsor, building on its successful partnership with the championship that began in 2025 . For Vivo Energy Kenya, the collaboration offers a chance to connect Shell’s global motorsport heritage with Kenyan consumers while supporting local drivers and the wider motorsport community .
“Shell’s continued partnership with Autocross is about more than putting our name on a championship,” said Joanne Nyaga, Vivo Energy Kenya’s Marketing Manager . “It is about celebrating performance, supporting Kenyan motorsport talent and creating memorable experiences for the fans who make this sport what it is” .
Mother-Daughter Duo Set to Attract Attention
Among the standout competitors, Shell-sponsored drivers Tinashe Gatimu, Caroline Gatimu, Neel Gohil, Suleiman Munyua and Michuki Hinga will command attention . The Gatimu pair brings a unique storyline to the weekend as a mother-and-daughter team, having competed together in previous Autocross editions.
“Racing is demanding, but doing it alongside my daughter makes the experience even more meaningful,” said Tinashe Gatimu . “There is a lot that happens before you get to the starting line – preparation, trust, teamwork and determination” .
Her daughter, Caroline, echoed the sentiment: “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” . “We are excited to represent Shell and give the fans something to cheer about” .
Demanding Terrain Awaits Competitors
The Stoni Athi course, located 40 kilometres southeast of Nairobi, presents a formidable challenge with its rough terrain and hidden rocks . Drivers must balance outright speed with consistency across the demanding stages.
“Stoni Athi will demand a lot from both driver and car,” said Michuki Hinga . “The focus is on preparation, consistency and making the most of every stage of the competition. Having Shell’s support gives us an important platform as we continue to compete and grow in Kenyan motorsport” .
Shell’s Motorsport Heritage on Display
Motorsport provides a natural platform for Shell to demonstrate its longstanding association with performance . Globally, the company boasts decades of motorsport experience, including its technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One and involvement in the World Rally Championship with Hyundai Motorsport.
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The extreme conditions of motorsport push fuels, lubricants and engines to their limits, with technical lessons from the track shaping Shell’s approach to high-performance products .
Community and Talent Development
Beyond the competition, the Autocross Rally unites drivers, mechanics, teams, sponsors and fans, providing a platform for Kenyan motorsport talent to gain experience and visibility . The championship contributes to developing driving, mechanical and technical skills within Kenya’s motorsport ecosystem .
“Motorsport brings together an incredible combination of talent, technical expertise, teamwork and passion,” Nyaga said . “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. We are looking forward to seeing what Round 5 delivers at Stoni Athi” .
With the 2026 championship continuing through November, Stoni Athi represents another important stop in Shell’s journey as it powers the performance, people and passion behind Kenyan motorsport .
