Go-Kart Finals: Bhanderi hopes to seal maiden Rotax Junior Max Class victory in Nakuru

Rotax Junior Max Class leader Kris Bhanderi racing in a past event [photo courtesy]

The Rift Valley Motor Sports Club' Solai race track will host a season closing double of the Kenya National Karting Championship series this weekend.

One of the drivers who is thirsty for victory in the remaining ninth and tenth rounds is 15 year old Kris Bhanderi who is currently topping the Rotax Junior Max on 782 points.

"I believe this could be my biggest moment of my racing career," said Bhanderi who is looking for his maiden career Karting title.

Hot on his heels are round seven winner William Kim and second placed Myles Imbayi who he must edge out of the coveted gong for him to celebrate the victory.

Bhanderi admits Kim will be a tough nut to crack as always bu he's confident he can beat Imbayi because of the three- year experience difference between them this being Imbayi's first season in the Rotax Junior Max challenge.

Rotax Junior Max Class leader Kris Bhanderi racing in a past event.[photo courtesy]

“I am aiming for my eighth victory on the Solai asphalt this weekend.

"If I achieve this, I will have the title in my bag," he said.

If Bhanderi wins round nine, his round ten participation will just be a mere formality.

"If the championship plan doesn’t work out in Round 9, I will go for it in round 10. So it will depend on the situation at the weekend race meeting."

Having already taken some impressive scalps at the Whistling Morans racetrack, Bhanderi is leaving nothing to chance in the fresh Rift Valley challenge.

“I practice twice a month at the Whistling Moran. I also work on my fitness with my personal trainer twice a week to ensure I am in the best possible shape.

" Fitness makes me energetic to handle the kart better- so fingers crossed,” Bhanderi said.

“The essence will be to drive safely. So I will not be taking any unnecessary risks in Solai." Rotax Junior Max Class leader Kris Bhanderi.

The double-header is also expected to feature Cadet Comer Class leader Walt Alobo and his opponents Ethan Gitonga, Wandel Olendo and Charles Kahumbura.  

Alobo leads the Cadet Comer log on 709 points followed by Gitonga on 700 and Olendo on 577.

2021 Kenya National Karting Championship Standings

A.Cadet Comer Class (Engine 60cc, Comer W60/04 or Zip Comer 60 only)

1.Walt Alobo  709 points

2.Ethan Gitonga  700

3.Wendel Olendo  577

4.Charles Kahumbura 301

5.Krrish Vadgama 262

6.Jayden Sheth 93

B.Cadet Iame Class

(Engine 60CC Iame Gazelle only)

1.Shane Chandaria 200

2.Krrish Vadgama DNE DNE DNE 0 DNE DNE DNE DNE 0

3.Aarav Chandaria DNE DNE DNE DNE Novice Novice Novice

C.Rotax Junior Max Class

(Engine Rotax FR125 Junior Max without restrictor; no power valve)

1.Kris Bhanderi 782

2.Myles Imbayi  641

3.Maynuel Inonda 228

4.William Kim 188

5.Roshni Dudhiya  178

6.Albert Kim l 168