Team Tarmal upbeat about mmc clubman title defense

Reigning Coast Rally champion Abdulkadir Tarmal believes his Japanese marque will carry him to future success and will put him firmly in contention for the 2023 Coast Rally Championship title.

With an apparently insatiable appetite for success, the Team Tarmal Steel rising star revealed that he was confident his Subaru would enable him to maintain his run of good results at sea level.

“I have high hopes for our Subaru contraption despite retirement at the recent home round of the KNRC at Vipingo's Mombasa Cement," Tarmal quipped, adding. "I am also optimistic it will help us to continue our momentum in the home series. The handling is incredible while the additional grip and drivability gives us immense confidence to attack.”

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The driver had a very positive 2022 season at the Coast on his debut year, and he was delighted to win the Coast Rally Championship series as well as a maiden podium position.

The Coast rising star claims his maiden podium (3rd overall) at last year's KNRC Mombasa Rally in Bamba inspired him to go for bigger limits in the man against machine sport.

He made his debut at the home KNRC last year and secured a career best national podium position behind eventual winner Raaji Bharij and Jasmeet Chana.

What's more, he won the 4WD Turbo Class during the MMC National Autocross Championship in 2022 and finished second in the same class and event this year.

"It's only my second season with the car and I must admit it is enjoyable to drive and I think it will be even more exciting for home spectators too," emphasized the 29-year-old businessman.

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Moment of Fame

Tarmal's first 24 hours of racing fame came when he outrightly won the fourth round of Mombasa Motor Club Coast Rally 4 in Vipingo last year.

"It was an amazing experience winning this club rally, but then again, quite a challenge considering that this was my first night rally. However, I think my co-driver Azgar Kassam was on the ball and deserves a pat on the back for a mission well executed."

His Subaru Impreza STI N10 was acquired from his friend Arjun Pattni, who bought it from its previous owner but only raced with it in one event.

"My clean lines at Vipingo have definitely elevated my confidence levels and also goes to show that I’m progressing in the sport which motivates me to continue learning and pushing even harder when circumstances permit. It's always wrong to be retrogressive in anything that you can make better.

A first-generation driver who continues to learn the ropes meticulously, he is focused on improving his skills at club level and grasp as many lessons as possible from my seniors.

ABDULKADIR TARMAL LOWDOWN

Date of Birth: 15/04/1994

Profession: Businessman. (Family steel manufacturing company)

Schools/ colleges: University of Nottingham UK - undergraduate

Aston University UK - masters

Hobbies: Travelling, Watching TV, rallying

Year Commenced Rallying 2022

Sponsor - Tarmal Steel

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

1. Winner Mombasa Motor Club Training Rally 4 winner in August 2022

2. Open Class winner Kenya National MMC Autocross 5 in May 2022

3 Third Overall -KNRC Mombasa Rally in Bamba