Drivers from six countries set to compete in 2023 African Rally Championship finale

© Moil Rally Team

MOTORSPORTS Drivers from six countries set to compete in 2023 African Rally Championship finale

Festus Chuma 20:59 - 01.11.2023

Drivers from six African nations gear up for thrilling finale of 2023 African Rally Championship in Tanzania's Sao Hill

Drivers from six African nations are gearing up for an adrenaline-pumping showdown as they prepare to take on the challenging terrains of Mafinga's Sao Hill in Iringa for the sixth and final round of the 2023 African Rally Championship. 

Scheduled to unfold from November 10th to 12th, the Asas Rally of Tanzania promises high-speed action and fierce competition as rally enthusiasts from Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, and host nation Tanzania converge for this prestigious event.

The rally, also known as the Asas Rally of Tanzania, not only marks the culmination of the 2023 Africa Rally Championship but also serves as the grand finale for Tanzania's National Rally Championship (NRC). 

With a total course distance of 370 kilometers, participants will navigate through challenging landscapes, putting their driving skills and endurance to the test. 

This exhilarating event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the ASAS Group, the National Sports Council (NSC), Tanzania Forest Reserve, and the Azam Media Group.

Satinder Birdi, a representative from the Automobile Association of Tanzania (AAT) and the director of rallies, shared his excitement about the upcoming championship.

 "We are expecting to see more than 20 drivers competing for top honors in the event. We hope it will be most thrilling as Kenyan Patel is the defending champion," he said in a recent interview as per Citizen.

As the drivers prepare to take on the challenging Sao Hill circuit, the current standings in the African Rally Championship indicate a fierce battle for the championship title. 

Karan Patel leads the pack with 120 points, with just a nine-point lead over second-placed Jas Mangat. Yasin Nasser, who retired from the Zambia event, sits in third place, trailing the leader by 27 points. 

With the competition heating up, motorsport fans can expect an electrifying contest that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

The African Rally Championship has a rich history dating back to its inaugural event in 1981 that was won by Shekhar Mehta. 

Among the standout drivers in the championship's history is Zambian sensation Satwant Singh, who holds the record for the most championship wins with eight titles to his name.

The championship has traversed the African continent, including the picturesque island of Madagascar, although fewer events are held in or north of the Sahara.

Throughout its history, the championship has often incorporated World Rally Championship events, with a particular focus on Africa's two most renowned rallies—the Safari Rally in Kenya and the Ivory Coast Rally in Côte d'Ivoire. 

 Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.

Tags: