Shell Autocross Rally Roars Into Stoni Athi as Top Drivers Battle for Round 5 Glory

A Shell-sponsored rally car, as the Shell Autocross Rally Championship heads to Stoni Athi for Round 5 this weekend.

By: Gladys Karuga

The Shell Autocross Rally Championship is set for another thrilling weekend as drivers converge at Stoni Athi on August 29 and 30 for Round 5 of the 2026 championship.

The competition is expected to test drivers and their machines on speed, precision, endurance and technical preparation, with winners set to be crowned on Sunday.

The event marks the second consecutive year that Shell is serving as the title sponsor of the Autocross Rally, following its partnership with the championship in 2025.

Through the partnership, Shell aims to bring its global motorsport heritage closer to Kenyan consumers while supporting local drivers and contributing to the growth of the country's motorsport community.

Vivo Energy Kenya Marketing Manager Joanne Nyaga said the partnership goes beyond sponsorship, noting that it is also aimed at celebrating performance and supporting local motorsport talent.

“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.

Among the drivers expected to attract attention at Stoni Athi are Shell-supported competitors Tinashe Gatimu, Caroline Gatimu, Neel Gohil, Suleiman Munyua and Michuki Hinga.

For Tinashe and Caroline Gatimu, the competition provides another opportunity to continue their unique motorsport journey as a mother-and-daughter team.

The duo, who have participated in previous Autocross editions, say the sport has given them an opportunity to build experience through preparation, teamwork and determination.

“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 and we are looking forward to putting all of that to the test at Stoni Athi,” Tinashe said.

Caroline said competing alongside her mother has also enabled her to develop her skills 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,” she said.

Meanwhile, Hinga said the Stoni Athi course would demand a strong combination of preparation, consistency and machine performance.

“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.

Shell's involvement in motorsport is part of the company's longstanding association with high performance. Globally, the brand has decades of motorsport experience, including its technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One and involvement in the World Rally Championship with Hyundai Motorsport.

The demanding conditions of motorsport provide an environment where fuels, lubricants, engines and drivers are pushed to their limits, helping drive innovation in performance products.

Beyond the racing action, the Autocross Championship brings together drivers, mechanics, teams, sponsors and fans, providing a platform for Kenyan motorsport talent to gain experience and visibility.

The championship also contributes to the development of driving, mechanical and technical skills within the wider motorsport ecosystem.

Nyaga said Shell was looking forward to another competitive round at Stoni Athi as the championship continues through November.

“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,” she said.

With the 2026 championship entering another crucial stage, all eyes will be on Stoni Athi this weekend as drivers battle for victory and valuable championship points.

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