Junior Neel braces for Kiambu race in twisty terrain
With only two seasons of competition, Neel Gohil has already shown the mindset required to become a future winner of the Kenya National Autocross Championship.
Last year, Neel lost the Two Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Junior Championship title to Brandon Ng’ang’a after he skipped a race due to personal commitment.
If the Nairobi based 14-year-old driver can continue in the same spirit and gusto, then the Two Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Junior Class title is on the horizon.
“Obviously, I am very happy with the car and my driving skill as well,” he said.
Neel has always desired to achieve new limits in circuit racing. He has found a niche and is comfortable there. His pace is blistering on his heat runs and he is exhibiting next level self-control and assertion.
One of the key strategies for the Salomon Kenya and Jaguar Petroleum and Lubricant City young driver is consistency and knowing the opportune time to race for a win.
On Sunday, Neel will be looking to conquer Kiambu’s twisty corners terrain against round 5 winner Amaan Ganatra.
Amaan is also showing a good pace this year having taken first place in Mombasa where Neel came second.
But Neel took the FTD (Fastest Time of the Day) in class which comes with additional championship points.
“We had a bad miss on the buggy the whole day in Mombasa. But in terms of pace, I won the FTD by 1000th of a second. It was too tight one at sea level, I must admit. Amazing race to be precise. By and large, I am glad that we junior drivers are destroying the times of the bigger guys including the turbocharged machines, so Twisty Corners should be another thriller.” Neel noted.
Over 20 drivers have signed up for the race weekend in Kiambu. Sameer Nanji will be hoping to maintain his dogged campaign for the Two Wheel Drive Non-Turbo Car Class against Bhupinder Singh.
In Two Wheel Drive Turbo Class, leader Qahir will be up against lady driver Nisha Pandya, Brandon Ng’ang’a, Azaad Manji and Deepal Shah.
Bambino Class leader Karamveer Singh Rooprai will be fighting to retain his position at the summit. Bambino girl rider Kiana Rajput will be the notable absentee due to personal commitment.
The father and son team of Eric Bengi and his son Eann Bengi are also expected to return to the Four-Wheel Drive Turbo and Pee Wee classes respectively. Both are leading their Championship classes.
