Disappointed fans left wondering as technical problems prevent Karan Patel's participation in KNRC Eldoret Rally.
The Kenyan rally community was left in shock and disappointment as 2022 Motorsports Personality of the Year, Karan Patel, failed to start the Eldoret Rally on Saturday at the Rupa Mall in Eldoret.
Fans eagerly awaited his presence at the starting ramp, but to their dismay, he was a no-show.
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However, Patel had already conveyed his regrets in a statement, citing technical issues with his Mitsubishi Evo X race car that prevented him from competing in the fifth round of the Kenyan National Rally Championship (KNRC).
In his statement, Patel expressed his remorse to fans, friends, and supporters, stating the reason why he failed to even make it to the scrutineering session on Friday.
"We won't be participating in the upcoming Eldoret Rally. Unfortunately, our Mitsubishi Evo X race car is experiencing technical issues, making it impossible for us to compete at this time," he wrote.
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Youngster Hamza Anwar is one of the stars who has entered the race and will be navigated by Adnan Din.
Despite the setback, he expressed gratitude for the understanding and continued support from his well-wishers and vowed to make a triumphant return to the rally scene soon.
Patel's long-time co-driver, Tauseef Khan, who was expected to navigate the rally alongside him, must have shared in the disappointment.
Nonetheless, the rally proceeded, with Jasmeet Khan, the current leader of the Kenyan National Rally Championship (KNRC) series, being the second to be flagged off after Hamza Anwar.
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Hamza Anwar, who is actively participating in the Junior FIA Rally Championship with a Ford Fiesta, took the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer for the Eldoret Rally.
The event, initially organised by the Nanyuki Sports Club, was handed over to the Western Kenya Motor Club.
The Eldoret Rally kicked off with a total of four competitive stages that were to be run twice during the competition.
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The challenging course had a competitive distance of 145.20km, with an additional 170km for liaison distance and a total overhaul distance of 315km.
Among the 15 cars participating in the rally, six Mitsubishis were vying for the top position.
With Karan Patel's absence, the competition intensified, and fans were eager to witness a gripping showdown on the rugged Kenyan terrain.
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Karan Patel's presence in the rally scene has been a source of excitement for fans and enthusiasts alike, making his absence from the Eldoret Rally a notable disappointment.
However, rally enthusiasts remain hopeful that he will resolve the technical issues with his race car soon and make a triumphant return to the championship.
Throughout his motorsport journey, Patel has displayed exceptional skill and determination, earning him the prestigious title of Motorsports Personality of the Year in 2022.