Big sporting weekend ahead, All roads lead to Athi River, 40 kilometres southeast of Nairobi, where the battle for honours in the 2026 Shell Autocross Rally Championship shifts to Stoni Athi this Saturday and Sunday.

Drivers will take on a demanding Round 5 on August 29 and 30, with the championship entering another crucial stage in the fight for top honours..

The two day event is expected to test competitors across speed, precision, endurance and technical preparation, with the round winners set to be decided on Sunday.

Vivo Energy’s Shell will once again take centre stage as the championship’s title sponsor, continuing its partnership with the autocross series for a second consecutive year after backing the competition in 2025.

For Vivo Energy Kenya, the partnership is an opportunity to connect Shell’s global motorsport heritage with Kenya’s local racing scene while supporting drivers and the wider motorsport community.

Vivo Energy Kenya Marketing Manager Joanne Nyaga said Shell’s involvement is centred on more than sponsorship, pointing to the importance of developing local talent and engaging fans.

“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 grace the action are Shell- sponsored team of Tinashe Gatimu, Caroline Gatimu, Neel Gohil, Suleiman Munyua and Michuki Hinga.

The Gatimus will provide one of the more intriguing storylines of the weekend as the mother and daughter duo return to competition together.

For Tinashe, racing alongside her daughter adds another layer to the challenge.

“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,” she said.

Caroline, meanwhile, sees the partnership as an opportunity to learn while building her own experience behind the wheel.

“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.

Hinga expects Stoni Athi to place a premium on preparation and consistency, with both drivers and machinery facing a stern examination.

“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,” he said.

The championship also serves as a development platform for Kenyan drivers, mechanics and teams, bringing together competitors, sponsors and fans while contributing to the growth of technical and driving skills within the sport.

With the 2026 season continuing through November, the Stoni Athi round offers another opportunity for competitors to strengthen their campaigns as the championship enters the business end of the season.

Nyaga expects the weekend to showcase the combination of skill, teamwork and technical expertise that defines motorsport.

“Motorsport brings together an incredible combination of talent, technical expertise, teamwork and passion,” she said.