SOLAI SHOWDOWN: Waweru, Mbuki, Takkunen win Motocross races

Apollo Mbuki (centre) receives his certificate after winning the MX2 class. Left is Frankline K and Kevin Saibala in Solai, Nakuru, yesterday. [PHOTO:BONIFACE THUKU/STANDARD]

Ngugi Waweru, Apollo Mbuki, Jet Takkunen and Elias Sherman were the star attractions as the seventh round of the Kenya National Autocross Championship came to a dramatic end at Solai racetrack in Nakuru.

Riding a KTM 125cc machine, Waweru was in imperious form when he overcame the challenge of a hard-fighting class leader Samir Anwar whom he had beaten for the second straight round.

Anwar finished third overall after finishing 8th in heat three.
Mbuki won MX2 class, beating two Nakuru newcomers Frankline K And Kevin Saibala. Waweru, who beat Samir in belated round 4 race at Jamhuri Park, won all the three heats to register a maximum 60points.

Fans who turned up at the venue were treated to some exhilarating displays of riding artistry. A jubilant Waweru said: “We had a good fight with Samir. My bike was in good form all through the three heats and I’m really excited to win back to back races.”

In the MX50 Class for children aged 5-9 years, eight-year old Takkunen registered his seventh win of the season in his traditional “fast and furious” riding.

Second overall in the MX50 class was Lemayan Waiyaki on 47 and Tyler Huth third, also on 47. But Waiyaki claimed second spot by virtue of beating Tyler in the last heat.

“I’m happy to win again. The track was wet and challenging in the early morning heat. All my wins haven’t come on a silver platter, I have really worked hard this season to achieve them and I thank mum (Lindsay) and (Markus) for making this happen. They have inspired my to ride very competitively,” said Takkunen.

MX85 Champion Elias Sherman also maintained his unbeaten run in seven races despite losing the first heat to Orobia Malungu. Orobia finished second followed by Rolf Kihara.

Having already taken some impressive scalps, MX50’s Jet promised better displays in the season.
Ivan Guya returned to winning ways in MX1 Class when he defeated his rival Tutu Maina.
Guya won the first two heats in awesome fashion. Tutu won the second heat to finish second overall with Samir Sherman taking third.

The eighth and penultimate round will be held at Jamhuri Park racetrack on November 9. The nine and last round of the Motocross series will be held on December 7.