Kenyan motorsports crew honoured in star studded gala in Nairobi

Over 100 motorsports crews were awarded in over 10 different categories at the 2024 Shell Motorsports Excellence Awards held in Nairobi over the weekend.

Starting the night was the Bob Dewar Media and Photography Awards whose sub categories went to Earl Karanja (Best Social Media), George Kingara and co (Turbo Tales), Ferraly Media (Best Event Coverage), Mwangi Kirubi (Best Photography Action) and Brian Kigen (Best Motorsport Personality Portrait).

Other winners under the media excellence and photography were Adam Bonaya (Best Innovative Through His Lens), Ishy Renu (Best Innovative Through Her Lens) and Nzau Mbithi (Most Composed and Coolest Motorsport Crew).

Ben Muchemi Spirit of Motorsport Award went to the 4x4 quartet of Gurashish Singh, Gabriel Lauvaux, Ajmeher Matharu, and Olivier Lauvaux.

The category sought to honour participants who raced with passion despite the rising personal challenges.

The Vic Preston Junior Progression Award, named after legendary Kenyan driver Vic Preston, went to junior karting crew of Sean Njumbi, Bixente Rio Wyles, Aarav Chandaria, Myles Imbayi, Aahyl Shah, Kriish Vadgama, and Magana Luusa. The juniors represent the bright future of Kenyan motorsport. 

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 and those honoured included Lu Jin, Amr Abdelnasser Alyaan, Steve Amaya, and also Vincent Swaleh of tarmac racing.

Joginder Singh Legacy of Excellence Award jointly presented by Mark Senteu and Soumaya Haddad went to Rajveer Thethy and navigator Shabaz Anwar.

Other crews honoured were Issa Amwari/Dennis Mwenda, Andrew Muiruri/Edward Njoroge, Azeli Ishmael/John Ngugi, and Daren Miranda.

The award recognised driver-navigator partnerships that demonstrated exceptional leadership and perseverance behind the wheel.

The Patrick Njiiru Rising Star Award presented by the legendary driver himself, honoured emerging talent across multiple disciplines. Through this award, Allan Bengi, Billy Tundo, Eann Bengi, Cheche Ababu, Karamveer Rooprai, and Muaaz Adil were recognised in rallycross and autocross categories.

The Motorsport Pioneer Award, presented by Kenyan="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/motorsport/article/2001486318/wrc-safari-rally-legend-ian-duncan-inspired-to-revisit-sweet-memories-of-1994"> legend Ian Duncan<, went 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 the rallycross and autocross.

Baldev Chager Champion's Path Award went to drivers on their journey to greatness and the recipients included Neel Gohil and Wayne Fernandes in rally and rallycross, Amaan Ganatra in the international Swift cross UK experience, and rallycross trio of Ankush Shah, Harpreet Singh Bhogal, and Maxine Wahome.

Motorsport Mastery Award presented by five-time Safari Rally winner Carl Tundo honoured tarmac specialists including Sarmad Asif, Sam Ngunjiri, Eric Nderi, Sammy Munene Kathurima, and Leroy Otto.

Still under this category, the Tejveer Rai Resilience and Spirit Awards, presented by Onkar Rai, honoured driver-navigator partnerships demonstrating exceptional perseverance. Those awarded were Edward Maina/ Anthony Gichohi, Gideon Kimani/ Laban Cliff, Timothy Kinoti/ Clement Marini/ Edward N Ndukui, Jennifer Malik/ Qui Mungai, Tinash Gatimu/ Caroline Gatimu, and Pauline Sheghu/ Linet Ayuko.

Commenting on the star studded awards gala night, ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/business/article/2001513923/firms-partner-to-deliver-69-vehicle-fleet-for-vivo-energy">Vivo Energy Kenya< Commercial Manager Mark Senteu said: "We are happy to honour the motorsport crew for their performance in various fields. We are committed to revive the motorsports spirit in Kenya."