By Samson Ateka
THE OLD ADAGE IN MOTORSPORT THAT SUCCESS COMES AND GOES IN CYCLES RINGS TRUE, ESPECIALLY WHEN YASIN NASSER’S LAST-GASP EFFORT SECURED UGANDA’S FIRST ARC TITLE IN 26 YEARS, SINCE CHARLES MUHANGI’S TRIUMPH. ARC MKWAWA RALLY WAS MORE THAN JUST THRILLING MOTORING EXPERIENCE– IT REVEALED FASCINATING BEHIND-THE-SCENES STORIES. HERE ARE 10 INSPIRING FACETS OF THE ARC SEASON THAT SHAPED THE TANZANIAN ROUND:
1. YASIN NASSER’S DREAM COME TRUE
Prior to the rally, Yasin Nasser only had three national titles under his belt-two in Uganda and one on Tanzania NRC.
But Yasin entered his name in the annals.of ARC history despite not winning a single event. Together with partner Ali Katumba, they headed into Morogoro with an 8-point cushion over Kenyan rival Samman Vohra. Samman only needed to win the Power Stage and indeed maintain his eventual second position. This would mean a 135 point tie, but Samman would then prevail on the “cleanest furthest” rule having won two.rounds outright. So, Samman’s second fastest on the Power Stage handed Yasin a point advantage and the coveted title last won by a Ugandan (Charles Muhangi) in 1999.
2. DEAN’S “RED SOCKS” TRADITION
One of the most prominent and omnipresent media personalities at ARC Mkwawa Rally was Dean Mark. Asked what informs the choice of his “red socks”, Dean explains: “It is just my trademark, I don’t believe in any superstition whatsoever. Been wearing them for as long as I have been in rallying in February 1997.”
3. MECHANIC MIKE MWANGI’S TANZANIA AFFILIATION
Mike Mwangi was no doubt one of the star attractions at the Service Park. Mwangi has served as the Chief mechanic of Tanzanian duo of Randeep “Sunny” Birdi and Manveer Birdi for a couple of years. Recently in Kenya, he serviced Steve Rose at the Legends Classic Rally. He is still active in classic rallies, also having serviced for the likes of Lee Rose in the Ford Escort. Last year, Mwangi helped Manveer win the Tanzania Rally Championship.
“I serviced Flash (Tundo) in two rallies. Back in the day, I was also a junior member of Patrick Njiru’s team run by SMSG. I have won so many rallies with my drivers that I cannot remember. I was with SEAT World Rally Team in the Safari for Didier Auriol (1994 world champion) and Toni Gardemeister.
4. DAVE SIHOKA’S POTENTIAL ARC RETIREMENT
Four-time African Rally navigators’ champion Dave Sihoka hinted at retiring from the ARC after the 2026 season to focus on mentoring young talent. Sihoka, originally from Zambia, is currently based in Botswana but has been rallying in the Tanzania NRC from the past one decade.
5. AHMED HUWEL’S BOLD DREAM TO ECLIPSE R5s
Ahmed Huwel, a seasoned Tanzanian rally driver, has ambitious plans to compete in a full season of the ARC with the goal of winning his country its first continental title. Huwel will be driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, the same car he used to finish third in the Mkwawa Rally of Tanzania 2025, alongside co-driver Viljem Ošlaj.
6. ALL-INDIAN CREW’S FULL ARC SEASON PLANS
All-Indian crew of Naveen Puligilla and Musa Sherif emerged the winners of ARC3 behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta Rally3. The duo hopes to tackle a full season of ARC in their current Rally3 contraption. But Naveen will be counting on his co-driver Musa Sherif’s experience, who is a seven-time Indian National champion co-driver competing in the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC).
7. WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT: BUBBLY LYIMO & TUTA
Tanzania’s Monica Lyimo was the sole lady competitor at ARC Mkwawa ARC Rally. Lyimo co-drove for compatriot Katic Valambia behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII (Car Number 28) and here’s what she said at the finish: “I had never done a 30 kms stage ever, but for two days, we managed a mammoth competitive total of 60 kms after the second pass on Serengeti speed test.
Another woman who featured prominently in Tanzania was an accomplished Kenyan navigator and international steward, Tuta Mionki, who served as the chairman of steward on ARC Tanzania in Morogoro.
8. PRINCE CHARLES NYERERE AND CHARLES MAKE HISTORY
The ARC 2025 season is a dream come true for Tanzanian driver Prince Charles Nyerere who missed out on the ARC2 title in 2023 when his car broke down in the last stage. This year, he has finally won it as a driver and his partner as a navigator.
9. UGANDA RALLY HUNTERS” MERGES SPORT AND TOURISM
If you were in Morogoro, then you must have stumbled across an enthusiastic group of rally spectators who travelled by bus all the way from Uganda to support eventual African Champion Yasin Nasser. “Uganda Rally Hunters” are keen on redefining Sports tourism, by leveraging targeted solutions and creating tailored experiences that cater to the evolving needs of sports travellers.
10. MKWAWA LEGACY TO BOOST NEXT YEAR’S RALLY
With great success and amazing fan support, through and through, Mkwawa Leaf have promised to sponsor the Tanzanian leg of the ARC in 2026. Such was the gusto and exhilaration as curtains came down on the iconic event in Morogoro.