Karan Patel wins Equator Rally

In a Ford Fiesta-R2, Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) leader Karan Patel led throughout the weekend to win the third leg of the championship and extend his lead at the helm. 

Navigated by Tauseef Khan, Karan finished the eight sections of the two-dag Rally in Naivasha in 2:26:54.4 to pick maximum points in the Rally that also served as the second leg of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC). 

Karan was joined on the podium by the power couple of Lorey and Urshlla Gomes in a Ford Fiesta-R2 who completed the 185.32km Rally in 2:30:08.6 for second place and to extend their lead in the ARC log.

Jasmeet Chana, second on the KNRC overall standings after two events ensudred that his position remains as he completed the podium places in 2:30:51.0. 

"It was a calculated drive from our side. The competition was good as opposed to our national events since this one had continental drivers competing. Dominating the weekend feels good but we also had to work hard to finish and drive the way we do. The input we have in the sport is paying off," said Karan. 

Younster Jeremy Wahome attained a career high finish since starting out as a Rally friver last year, finishing fourth in a Ford Fiesta-R3. 

Meawhile, Maxine Wahome, fresh from winning the inaugural all-female Lionesses rally at Kasarani lived up to expectations as she placed sixth behind Giancarlo Davite. 

"She is an amazing driver with good car control. Hers is a work in progress and she is a future KNRC champion in the making," said Maxine's co-driver Murage Waigwa.