Victoria Commercial Bank Sponsored Kenya’s Shane Chandaria Conquers Formula 4 Indian Racing Festival
Kenyan racing prodigy Shane Chandaria delivered an outstanding performance at the Indian Racing Festival, held over the weekend, securing multiple podium finishes and special honours.
The 15-year-old driver continues to make history as Kenya’s youngest international Formula 4 competitor.
He secured pole position in both Qualifying 1 and Qualifying 2, setting the tone for a strong weekend. In the four races that followed, Shane finished sixth in Race 1, claimed victory and the fastest lap in Race 2, took fifth place and another fastest lap in Race 3, and wrapped up the weekend with a third-place finish in Race 4.
His consistent pace earned him two major accolades “Fastest Lap of the Weekend” and “Driver of the Day” underscoring his growing reputation as one of the most promising young drivers in global motorsport.
Following his strong performance, Shane now leads the overall championship standings with two rounds remaining in the five-round series, a remarkable feat for one of the youngest drivers on the grid.
“From the moment I first sat in a kart at six years old, I dreamed of racing on the world stage. Motorsport has always been more than a hobby for me, it is a calling that demands sacrifice, discipline, and an unbreakable belief in your potential. My ultimate goal is Formula 1, and every race is a step closer to that dream. I carry with me not just my own ambitions, but the hopes of every young Kenyan who has ever believed that new frontiers in sport are possible. It is time for Kenya to be seen in motorsport, to take our place on the world stage, and to inspire the next generation to dream even bigger,” said Shane Chandaria
Formula 4, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), serves as the first step on the path to Formula 1. The Indian Racing Festival is widely regarded as one of Asia’s most competitive development circuits, attracting top young talent from around the world.
Victoria Commercial Bank, which has been a steadfast supporter of local excellence, said Shane’s achievements embody Kenya’s potential in emerging sporting disciplines. The bank committed 10,000 Euros to support way for the just concluded racing festival.
“Shane’s success captures the spirit of a new generation, driven, fearless, and determined to put Kenya on the global map in new arenas. His journey reflects the same persistence and precision that define how we operate as a bank,” said Poonam Shah, Victoria Commercial Bank Chief Business Officer – Assets.
“Supporting Shane goes beyond sponsorship, it’s about believing in possibility. We see in him the power of ambition and the promise of Kenya’s youth to break barriers and lead with courage,” added Poonam.
Kenya has long been celebrated for its dominance in athletics, but Shane’s rise signals a new chapter in the nation’s sporting history. His success demonstrates that with opportunity and support, young Africans can excel in disciplines that have traditionally seen little representation from the continent.
