Sports

Shaz breaks 10-year jinx as returnees come alive

Tuesday, January 28th, 2020 00:00 | By
Rajveer Thethy leaves his competitors eating dust during the round three of the Kenya National Autocross Championships at Jamhuri track on Sunday. Photo/PD/PHILIP KAMAKYA

Shaz Esmail was in imperious form as the opening round of the KCB Kenya National Autocross Championship 2020 came to an end at Jamhuri Park Racetrack in Nairobi at the weekend.

The Izmir Racing’ driver emerged the winner in the Two Wheel Drive Turbo Class after posting a cumulative total time of 8.03.11minutes.

He also savoured two championship bonus points with the Fastest Time of the Day (FTD) in class.

“I am delighted with the performance. This is indeed my first win in 10 years and couldn’t have come at a better time when I am going flat out for the championship,” said Esmail.

Esmail delivered the FTD after clearing the fourth heat in 2.21.70 minutes. He beat youngster and team-mate Azaad Manji to second position.

Undaunted by muddy and slippery conditions, Esmail held on to the lead all through with a brilliant drive that would see him set equivalent times to much powerful cars in the 4WD Turbo category.

Defending champion Zameer Verjee started his defence on a high, setting the fastest overall time of the day in the fourth heat which he returned in a time of 2.14.42 minutes. His Rage Buggy was a cut above the rest.

“I’m settling into the buggy well after only acquiring it last season. I’m back to defend my title this season so I hope all will be well,” said Verjee, who beat Rajveer Thethy to second place. 

Newcomer Zuber Khan came in third followed by Shajad Khan.

Sam Karangatha made a stunning comeback in 2WD Non Turbo Car Class also with a third heat FTD in class.

In the 4WD Turbo, Lovejyot Singh beat 2017 champion Rehan Shah.

Shah returned from a one-year sabbatical in Sahib Omar’s championship winning Subaru GC8.

“Things are a bit different now after my stay out but we are back in force and we will assess how the season goes.

There are new boys who have become fast so we must re-strategise going into the long season.

For us, the target is the championship and we are in the process of building a GC -8 which we hope will help us through,” said Shah.

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