Open Class event: Ankush Shah leaves rivals chasing dust

By , February 4, 2025

This year’s autocross season roared to life in spectacular fashion, as a record 40 drivers battled the dust and adrenaline at Ruiru’s Twisty Corners arena over the weekend.

With high-octane action, blistering lap times, and fierce rivalries unfolding, it was a thrilling start under the banner of Motorsports Kenya and 254 Motorsport Club, setting the stage for a gripping season ahead.

Ankush Shah dominated the Open Class, clinching the top award after an impressive display in the heat runs. He posted a practice time of 02:05:888, while his best three stages combined for a total time of 05:55:392. His buggy proved both quick and stable, particularly around the corners, allowing him to clock competitive heat times throughout his laps. 

Neel Gohil finished second, starting with a Heat 1 time of 02:11:442 before sensationally slicing off eight milliseconds in Heat 2 to record 02:03:792. He further improved with a Heat 3 time of 02:01:894 before rounding off his final run at 02:04:537. Azfar Malik secured third place, completing his best three stages in an average time of 06:26:895. 

Altaf Ganatra, driving Car number 777, emerged victorious in this category with a stellar performance on the tracks. He recorded 02:11:610 in Heat 1, followed by an improved 02:07:769 in Heat 2. His Heat 3 and Heat 4 times remained consistent, clocking 02:08:327 and 02:07:946, respectively. 

Jose Sardinha, driving Car No.700, finished second, delivering an exceptional Heat 3 run at 02:07:371 and averaging 06:26:136 over his best three stages. John Kadivane took third place with times of 02:15:923 in Heat 1, 02:14:081 in Heat 2, and 02:12:033 in Heat 3, with his final heat recorded at 02:11:194. 

This category had only two participants, with Shabaz Anwar taking pole position. His standout performance came in Heat 2, where he clocked 01:56:586. Runner-up Wayne Fernandes averaged 06:43:295 across his best three stages. 

Ibrahim Mughal clinched victory in this category, setting a Heat 1 time of 02:11:911. His subsequent three heats were clocked at 02:07:248, 02:10:108, and 02:10:613. 

Fahid Abdul Malik finished second, starting with a Heat 1 time of 02:26:918, improving significantly in Heat 2 with 02:11:900. His Heat 3 time was 02:20:157, while he capped off Heat 4 at 02:11:070. Muuaz Adil completed the podium in third place, recording his best three stages at 07:05:765. 

Eann Bengi claimed the top spot, with his most remarkable run in Heat 4, where he clocked 02:05:821. He was followed by Yuvi Rajput, whose best three stages averaged 06:24:357. 

Cheche Ababu secured third place with his four heat times recorded as 02:11:694, 02:10:727, 02:07:956, and 02:05:594. This was one of the most competitive categories, featuring six strong contenders.

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