KNRC Round One Hits Stoni Athi as Drivers Hunt Early Points

If motorsport enthusiasts in East Africa are searching for the true definition of raw mechanical power and tactical precision, Stoni Athi is the place to be as 20 premier crews ignite the opening round of the 2026 Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).

Organised by the 254 Motorsports Club and officially sanctioned by Motorsport Kenya, this long-awaited season opener promises an unforgettable weekend of competitive gravel racing, culminating in a high-octane spectacle on Saturday, August 1.

Driver pairings face a grueling total route distance of 166.01km, incorporating 146.81km of pure flat-out competitive driving divided into seven demanding special stages.

A diverse provisional entry list features high-powered Group N monsters, agile 2WD machines, classic rally legends, and specialized Specially Prepared Vehicles (SPVs), creating a dynamic landscape where strategy will prove just as critical as raw speed.

High-Stakes Entries and Technical Battles Take Center Stage

The competitive field represents a compelling mix of seasoned championship winners, rising talent, and unique family pairings ready to write the first chapter of the 2026 title race.

“Adnan Din and I are super excited to get back in the hot seats. Our usual Evo 10 was sold earlier this year to a Ugandan, so we decided to revive an old Subaru N10 and give it some life.”

Hamza Anwar shared these insights while putting final touches on his preparation, embodying the resourcefulness that defines top-tier African rallying.

Leading the charge among headline entries is the mother-and-daughter duo of Caroline Gatimu and navigator Tinashe Gatimu, who bring international flare aboard their Ford Fiesta Rally4.

Meanwhile, veteran championship-winning duo Leonardo Varese and Kigondu Kareithi bring their custom Toyota Yaris SPV to the start line, treating the challenging terrain as a crucial testing ground for further technical development.

Proven campaigner Issa Amwari joins forces with Dennis Mwenda in a Mitsubishi Evolution 10, while young contender Amaan Ganatra partners Mudasar Chaudry in a Mitsubishi Evolution 9.

Rising star Neel Gohil teams up with Wayne Fernandes in another Mitsubishi Evolution 10, adding intense youthful energy to the battle for early season dominance.

The Classic category promises nostalgia and high drama, with George Kyriazi and Max Green locking horns against Shakeel Khan and Assad Mughal, both crews piloting iconic Ford Escort Classics.

Other notable contenders seeking to make their mark include Rajveer Singh Thethy in a Subaru N12B and Timothy Kinoti steering his Toyota RunX in the fiercely contested 2WD category.

For Varese, the Stoni Athi event provides the ultimate real-world laboratory to refine setup and performance parameters before the national championship campaign intensifies.

“As part of developing the new car to its full potential and for rally conditions in Kenya, we shall be taking part in the KNRC first round. We are looking forward to running more tests on the car at Stoni Athi.”

Strict Schedules, Dust, and Bonus Points Await Competitors

Competitors began the event itinerary on Friday morning with reconnaissance runs from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm—strictly capped at two passes per stage—followed by rigorous administrative checks and technical scrutineering at the Rally Headquarters and Service Park.

Official shakedown runs between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm gave drivers a final opportunity to calibrate suspension setups and engine maps before the competitive start list was officially published.

Saturday’s main action commences with a ceremonial flag-off at 8:30 am from the Service Park located at Athi Range Grill.

Drivers will immediately attack three distinct operational tests—the Spectator Stage, Chui, and Simba—before returning to the Service Park and repeating the loop during the afternoon session.

The event reaches its climax during the third pass through the 14.73km Spectator Stage, which doubles as the official Power Stage.