This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On October 13, 2019, the KCB Kenya National Autocross Championship came to a close at the Mombasa Cement factory racetrack in Kilifi County, with Sahib Omar and Kunal Patel emerging as the champions.
Despite failing to participate in the final heat, Omar secured the 4WD Turbo title after a closely contested battle with Naushad Kara, the eventual class winner and Coast Rally Champion.
With an unassailable lead in his class going into the last round, Omar was required to participate in the season-ending event to meet the 80 per cent threshold needed for championship success.
"The track was wet in the first two heats but conditions improved as the race continued. In the third heat, we suffered a miss and decided not to risk; so we skipped the last heat. It feels good to retain the title. Next year, I will try to do a few KNRCs," said Omar.
Kunal Patel, from Nanyuki, celebrated his maiden championship victory in the Two Wheel Drive Turbo Class after winning the final round.
Patel's campaign was already sewn up when his closest challenger, Shalien Mughal, retired in the first heat.
"It's was quite a great outing in the coast and a good feeling to win the championship. It was quite an anti-climax after Mughal failed to finish the race. I was expecting a good fight from him. Next year, we will upgrade the buggy and tackle selected races as we weigh options of acquiring a better car," Patel said.
