Anthony claims third straight Autocross win in Kilifi

By FeverPitch Reporter

Reigning champion, Steve Anthony, claimed his third successive title as Mombasa Motor Club-organised second round of the 2011 National Autocross Champion ended in Kazandani, Kilifi, on Sunday.

Anthony won the event to earn two bonus points for setting the fastest time of the day on the first heat.

"This is a fantastic win at the Coast for third consecutive year running. I’m delighted with the win and the chance to compete against the Moto Moto rally car pick up of (Peter) Horsey. I dedicate this win to my father Henry who passed away four months ago. I am happy I was faster than Moto Moto because it’s a really fast car," said Anthony, the two times Group N champion and five times Open class motocross champion.

Steve Anthony in action in Kilifi at the weekend.

Ricky Aslam, the 2006 National Autocross champion, also made a surprise comeback after a three-year sabbatical leave but his efforts were well rewarded with a second overall finish just over 11.33 seconds adrift of the leader.

Keith Henry, winner of round One autocross, sealed the podium with an impressive third, but felt his weekend run could have been better.

"I broke my gearbox during Saturday’s practice runs and I had to ask Anunda to share his buggy with him. I could have been faster if I had my buggy." said Henry.

Mubashar Khan impressed all when he finished fourth on his first ever Autocross attempt and was the top placed Mombasa-based driver. He was enthusiastic about the win and is planning to attempt the remaining event should he secure sufficient funding.

Mombasa-based Paras Pandya was the only driver to attempt the event in a rally car. He finished eighth overall in his Subaru Impreza GC8. Charles Mugo finished ninth overall but was the top placed competitor in the under-24 Class.