Kenya, Uganda To Fight For Central Africa Motocross Championship Title In Jamhuri

Githuku Mungai who is topping the Senior MX1 Class ahead of the second round of the East and Central Africa Motocross Championships to be held at the Jamhuri Motocross Track in Nairobi at the weekend. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO (Standard)

NAIROBI, Kenya- Over 50 Kenyan riders are set for the second round of the East and Central Africa Motocross Championship battle to be held at the Jamhuri Motocross Track in Nairobi at the weekend.

Among the high profile local dare devils who will battle contestants from Uganda and Tanzania in the expected adrenaline filled contest are Githuku Mungai and Rohan Gandhi.

Mungai is optimistic to carry the day in the Senior MX1 Class where he is currently topping the charts on 15 points.

“I have spent the last few months preparing for this race. I have done a lot of technical and fitness training. This includes running, jogging and sprinting which have improved my technique on the bike.

“My expectation is for the Kenya riding team to put up a spirited fight so we can challenge the Ugandans who have massively improved in the sport over the years.

“Personally, I’m hoping for a top three finish, I’m also very hopeful that Kenya will carry the day in the team event,” Mungai told Standard Sports.

From Left: Principal Sports Officer Jackson Munywoki and the Motorcycles Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK) chairman Renzo Bernardi during unveiling of the MSFK logo in Nairobi on Wednesday December 7, 2022. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO (Standard)

Mungai, who has been stepping up training at the Jamhuri race track and in other arenas in Loresho and Karen, said they will capitalize on home advantage during the competition.

“I have a new 350 cc bike which is stronger, heavier and more powerful. I know this will give me an edge over other participants,” he stated.

Gandhi, who is a very seasoned rider, will be up in arms against other contestants in the Senior MX2 category which he is hopeful to win.

“I have not been riding for over a year now due to work and other commitments but I’m already on a journey back to my fitness.

“I feel quite excited ahead of the weekend challenge, I’m just trying to get prepared as much as I can. I know Uganda has many worthy riders but we hope to shine in the races ahead, we are promising to do a very good job,” Gandhi underlined.

***The MSFK Commission members enjoy one of the rides that was present at the logo unveiling venue in Nairobi on December 7, 2022. PHOTO/ JONAH ONYANGO (Standard)***

Mutahi Wariithi, the East African Motor Sports Club chairman clarified that they have so far received 40 entries from Uganda and three from Tanzania for the championships.

“We are encouraging Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to watch the spectacle, they can use the occasion as a family day out because there will be lots of fun.

“We are happy that Monster energy has come on board to sponsor the races. We have also put up safety measures in place including the policemen, the ambulances, the marshals and the doctors to ensure this event runs smoothly,” he explained

At the same time, the Motorcycles Sports Federation of Kenya (MSFK) will use the occasion to officially launch their new logo which was unveiled in Nairobi on Wednesday.

The MSFK chairman Renzo Bernardi stated this during the unveiling: “We are committed to high standards of governance and professionalism in all our activities which is reflected in our new logo.

“As we go toward the 2023 racing season, our members have planned an action packed year both in sporting and non-sporting activities.”