By Samson Ateka
Karan Patel of Kenya ended his 2025 African Rally Championship (ARC) season on a high winning the Morogoro-based Mkwawa Rally of Tanzania.
Winning the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT) organised event outright and scoring additional 5 points on SS9 Kilimanjaro Power Stage meant that Samman Vohra loses the title by a solitary point to Moil Rally Team Ugandan ace driver Yasin Nasser.
For Yasin it was a dream come true after years of trying and 26 years since Ugandan Charles Muhangi last won it.
“It’s been a long wait for the Ugandan fans and I am happy that I was in a position to deliver the title for them. We did not win any events this season but I am glad that consistency paid off, ” said Yasin.
Following the conclusion of the 3vent at Mkwawa Leaf factory yard, Karan and Samman congratulated Yasin for the championship success in a season full of drama and adrenaline action .
“I wish to congratulate Yasin for his title win, and Tanzanians for delivering one of the season’s best rally. In sports you win and lose some, I will be back bigger and stronger next season in our fresh bid for the title. Tanzania was my 13th career start in motor rallying and I happy that we still remain competitive in Africa. We might do the Guru Nanak of Tanzania next month to close our season for 2025, ” Samman, who is also the reigning Kenya champion highlighted.
Karan who is sponsored by KCB Bank and Kenya Airways registered his second career victory in Tanzania which took crews to scenic forest speed tests of Morogoro.
“Congratulations are in order for Yasin, he deserves the glory for his determination,” said Karan.
Yasin, who is a two times Ugandan and one time Tanzania champion revealed in Morogoro that he will be fighting next season to defend the title.
Yasin achieved the feat despite not winning a single event in a season that revved off with the fabled Safari in Kenya, before traversing Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania for the season finale
Meanwhile, Tanzania celebrated a race double with Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X driver Prince Charles Nyerere finally laying his hands on the ARC2 title and veteran Ahmed Huwell coming in third overall on the event’s final classification.
Huwell was also the top placed local in the Tanzania National Rally Championship (TNRC) category only on his second outing in his newly acquired Toyota GR Yaris Rally2
Huwell, who is also the CEO of title sponsors Mkwawa Leaf, a tobacco processing firm, was all smiles;
“I glad I came with a new car, trying to test it on my second rally. I first did one round of the TNRC and then the ARC and I must admit I am not as fast as these guys. I’m surprised though to see a youngster like Samman drive really well.
I need more seat time in the Yaris and I am sure next year when I tackle the full ARC season I will be able to match the R5s.”
“ Finally, when I come to grips with the car I will win events for sure. My friends use to tell me that R5 cars are out of this world- you wouldn’t believe how fast these cars are until you sit in one of them,” added Huwell.
Indian driver Naveen Puligilla emerged the winner in the Rally3 category at the wheel of an M-Sport Ford Fiesta.
“It was my first time rallying in Tanzania.
I had a very different opinion about Kenya after Safari which is traditionally rough and challenging. I plan to do the whole season of ARC next year,” said Indian driver Naveen Puligilla who was guided to his position by 8 times Indian Champion Musa Sheriff.
Samman set the pace on Day One after winning four out of five stages at stake on Saturday.
Nevertheless , the Kenyan champion encountered a bad day on Leg 2 with mechanical gremlins in the long 29km Serengeti Stage.
Karan celebrated his second win of the season after Pearl Rally in Uganda, after which he crashed out of Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally and skipped Rallye International du Burundi.
ARC FINAL POINTS
1. YASIN NASSER UGA 135points
2. SAMMAN VOHRA KEN 134
3. NIKHIL SACHANIA KEN 77
4. KARAN PATEL KEN 70