Fifteen-year-old Neel Gohil will be going into Sunday’s RSC National Autocross 9 event with one mission- to enhance his spirited campaign for multiple titles in his busiest motoring season.
Neel could make history as the first 15-year-old to win three championships- all in senior categories this year – and he’s absolutely determined to finish the season on a high.
The Nairobi based driver will be going for the 2WD Non Turbo car senior and 2WD Non Turbo buggy senior autocross titles on Sunday after which he will embark on his third title in the 2WD category of the 2023 RX Championship.
Neel is leading the RX Championship with 5 points and needs second place or third to seal the deal.
In Autocross, Neel already has the 2WD Non Turbo buggy title in the bag as his closest challenger Fahim Abdul Malik can not surppass his 159-points tally.
In the 2WD NT Car Class, Neel needs to finish second to seal the title as his 178 score after the race will not also be achievable by second-placed Amaan Ganatra.
With the support of Shell, Taisho Parts, and Going Outdoor, the Nairobi based autocross prodigy has showcased immense potential through and through and will looking to make his dream come true.
And with an apparently insatiable appetite for success, the second generation competitor and son of retired rally driver Sushil Gohil is already planning a grand entry into the motorsport scene next year, in a Subaru N10 that’s currently under construction locally by the skilled hands of Charan Thethy from Pro Motorsports.
Neel , the current championship leader in both the 2WD Non Turbo Buggy and 2WD Non Turbo Car classes, is brimming with confidence for the nineth and penultimate race of the season slated for the prestigious “Triple S” WRC Racetrack in Kasarani on Sunday.
Both Neel’s race car and buggy are in top-notch condition, thanks to the incredible team supporting his Shell V-Power-sponsored crew.
Neel quipped: “As we approach this crucial penultimate round, there’s a distinct sense of ease, as we now have our eyes firmly set on the championship titles.”
He went on: “The buggy class title is already in the bag but we need either a second place podium in Round 9 or a solid finish on both rounds 9 and 10 to clinch the car class championship.”
Asked about his impending fairly tale hattrick, Neel explained: “So, you might notice that I won’t be pushing the “Vitz on steroids” as hard as I have throughout this season.”
“Additionally, we must preserve the car for the final round of the RX championship, where I’ll go head to head with my toughest competitor, Amaan Ganatra, to wrap up this year’s racing season.” Neel averred with confidence.
In the 2WD category, leader Azaad Manji will renew his rivalry with Qahir Rahim, whilst Ishmael Azeli and John Kadivane will face off in the Open Class.
*RSC AutoX 9 Entries as at 13/10/23.*
*Peewee*Allan Bengi
*Bambino*
Gitau Munene
Allan Bengi
Eann Bengi
*2WD NT buggy*
- Neel Gohil
- Fahim Malik
- Ibrahim Mughal
- Stephen Mboci
2WD NT (Junior)*
Karamveer Roopai
Cheche Ababu
2WD NT CAR*
Neel Gohil
Amman Ganatra
*2WD TURBO BUGGY*
- Qahir Rahim
- Azaad Manji
- Gurdeep Bharij
*4WD TURBO*
- Safina Khan
- McRae Kimathi
- Eric Bengi
- Gideon Kimani
*4WD NT*
- Jose Sardina
*4WD OPEN*
- Ahil Khan
- Mustwafa Murad
- Adil Khan
- Caroline Gatimu
- Tinashe Gatimu
- Ishmael Azeli
- John Kadivane
