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Kenyan driver Karan Patel has set his sights on victory at the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, leading the ARC standings.
Reigning African champion Karan Patel is poised to extend his dominance in the African Rally Championship (ARC) as he prepares for the highly anticipated Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, scheduled for October 18-20, 2024.
Patel, together with his navigator Tauseef Khan, is set to feature in the sixth leg of the ARC series, where they currently hold a commanding lead.
Patel, who leads the ARC leaderboard with an impressive 105 points, is eager to build on his success from the previous rounds.
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20:17 - 12.05.2024
Kenya’s Karan Patel triumphs in ARC Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, dedicates victory to his mother
Kenyan driver Karan Patel was in a class of his own as he won the ARC Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally to get the ball rolling for his continental ambitions this season.
His closest rival, Uganda's Jas Mangat, trails significantly with 28 points, while fellow Kenyan Hamza Anwar sits third with 24 points, leaving Patel in a prime position to capture his second consecutive ARC title.
With just two rounds remaining in the season, all eyes are on Patel as he enters the crucial stretch.
"The rally here is quite smooth, even though we’re on gravel and dusty roads. Last year, it was a bit wet, and we’re looking forward to similar conditions." Patel told reporters.
"Driving on the tarmac at the KCC is really interesting. We don’t get to do that much, and with crowds gathered around, it’s great to show some flamboyant driving and build up the excitement.”
Patel and Khan are no strangers to the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally.
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08:23 - 29.07.2024
Karan Patel dominates Zambia Rally to maintain perfect record in FIA African Rally Championship
The Kenyan driver has maintained his unbeaten streak by winning the Zambia Rally advancing his lead in the African Rally Championship.
Their experience on the Rwandan gravel is expected to play a significant role in their performance.
Known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, the Rwanda Rally demands a blend of skill and endurance, both of which Patel has consistently demonstrated throughout the season.
“We understand this track very well and cannot wait to compete against some of the best rally drivers from around the region,” added Patel, exuding confidence ahead of the event.
Patel’s stellar showing in the fourth leg of the ARC circuit, held in Burundi, saw him clinch victory with a time of 1 hour, 44 minutes, and 45 seconds—an achievement that further solidified his standing as the reigning champion.
Behind the wheel of their reliable Skoda Fabia R5, the duo has been nearly unbeatable, winning multiple stages across the ARC.
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19:45 - 21.07.2024
Sensational Kalle Rovanpera powers past favorite Sebastien Ogier to win Rally Latvia
Kalle Rovanpera clinched a dominant victory at Tet Rally Latvia revisiting his early racing roots for a memorable win.
The Skoda Fabia R5 has been instrumental in their success, providing the perfect balance of power and precision needed for tough rally conditions.
The pair’s success has also highlighted the importance of sponsorship in rally sports, with KCB Bank Kenya playing a pivotal role in their journey.
“Our long-standing support for motorsports is geared towards giving local drivers the opportunity to participate in local, regional, and international events to position East Africa on the global map as a sporting nation,” said Rosalind Gichuru, KCB Group Director of Marketing and Communications.
“We are happy with Karan and Tauseef for always flying the KCB flag high across different tracks on the continent. We will be cheering them on from home as they take on the tough Rwandan gravel.”
Patel’s teammate, Nikhil Sachania, will also be competing in the Rwanda rally, making his debut in a brand-new Skoda Fabia rally car.
Sachania’s participation follows a significant KSh. 5 million investment from KCB Bank Kenya, further cementing the bank’s commitment to motorsports in the region.
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12:35 - 14.02.2024
MOTORSPORTS Karan Patel gears up for Safari Rally with high-octane new ride
KCB-sponsored driver Karan Patel has acquired a new rally car, aiming for top 10 in Safari Rally Kenya and defending his title.
With just two rounds left, including the season finale at Kenya’s Equator Rally in November, Patel and Khan are keen to finish strong.
They aim not only to defend their ARC title but also to leave an indelible mark on the rallying scene across the continent.
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