Mbuki and Shivam ride to victory

By FP Correspondent

Apollo Mbuki’s distinct affinity for speed and grace was evident as he registered his fifth successive win of the season during the H20/Oilibya Motocross series at Jamhuri Park at the weekend.

Like Apollo, Shivam Vinayak (MX1) also showed some flashes of brilliance on his new Yamaha 450 four-stroke with yet another flawless ride.

After five rounds of brilliant display, Vinayak and Mbuki remain the only riders in the championship with maximum points at the culmination of the fifth meeting.

"It’s good I came first in all the three heats. We adjusted the carburettor settings to secure the right power and it worked out quite well," Vinayak noted.

Ken Anunda takes his bike through a dusty section in the motocross action on Sunday. Photo: Samwel Nyakondo/Standard

With five rounds gone, Vinayak and Mbuki are the only riders to realise the 300 points mark.

David Murigi was the surprise winner in the MX50 class when series leader Murigu Njiiri fell off his bike in the second heat.

Njiiri came home third behind Alistair Diniz with Ryan Bailey slumping to fourth. Max Green, son of former Kenya champion Rory Green, came home fifth with Maina Wanjigi, Benni Kahumbura, Nikita Sehmi and Owen Ashley following in that order.

Three heats

Cruze Muigai only just managed to win the fifth consecutive round. His bid to secure the admirable 300points score came to naught when his cousin Tutu Maina won two of the three heats.

Maina, who was the sole Kenyan representative at last weekend’s ‘Full Throttle’ AMU Championship in Windhoek, oozed confidence and drew the first blood at the opening heat.

But mechanical problems in the preceding heat saw Maina forfeit vital points.

His bike was fixed well in time for his third heat run, which he won but failing to score in the second heat handed Muigai the win.

Maina incidentally was fascinated that he was gradually coming to terms with the new four-stroke 250cc bike.

"The only challenge is that the new bike is still too heavy," Maina said.

Moody Rallye rider, Adil Khan (KTM85) was all smiles in his second successive win at MX85. JJ Kahumbura was second overall with Eugene Maina coming home third.

Outside the podium were Ted Wanday, Masalule Kituyi, Lucca Poggi and Gitahi Mwangi. "It was quite an exciting race, I must admit.

The first heat was challenging and I am happy that I am getting used to the new bike. Eugene (Maina) was tough but my confidence and practice paid off," said Khan.