Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania | THE BLACK EXAMINER | The sixth round of the African Rally Championship, known as the Asas Rally of Tanzania, is set to take place at Mafinga’s Sao Hill in Iringa from November 10 to 12. Drivers from six countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, and the host country Tanzania, will participate in the event. The rally, which also serves as the final round of Tanzania’s National Rally Championship (NRC), will cover a total distance of 370 kilometers. It is sponsored by ASAS Group, the National Sports Council (NSC), Tanzania Forest Reserve, and the Azam Media Group.
The organizers, represented by Satinder Birdi, the director of rallies at the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT), anticipate a highly competitive event with over 20 drivers vying for top honors. Kenyan driver Karan Patel, the defending champion, will be seeking another victory, while Ugandan driver Yasin Nassar currently leads the ARC standings with 93 points.
The African Rally Championship is an international motorsport competition sanctioned by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). It has a rich history dating back to 1981 when it was first held, and the most successful driver in its history is Zambian driver Satwant Singh, with eight championships. The reigning champions are Leroy Gomes and navigator Urshlla Gomes from Zambia.
The championship has a strong presence across the African continent, with popular events like the Safari Rally in Kenya and the Ivory Coast Rally in Côte d’Ivoire often being incorporated into the series. It remains particularly popular in former British colonies.
