Skoda Fabia Rally2 driver Raaji Bharij has finally racked up his maiden Kenya National Rally Championship victory following brilliant displays on MMC Bamba Rally which ended at Mwezamoyo School in Kilifi county.
Bharij led from start to finish, winning all the six stages at stake in the Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) organized round of the national series.
He beat Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X driver Jasmeet Chana to second place by a massive 10.57 minutes margin while Mombasa youngster Abdulkadir Tarmal crowned his KNRC debut with a maiden career podium (third) contrary to all expectations.
It was a welcome relief for Bharij who had won the prestigious Nanyuki leg last month only to be disqualified for failing to report at Control 6B at the end of the event in breach of article 24.2 of National Competition rules of Kenya Motor Sport Federation.
His disqualification in Nanyuki saw Karan Patel being awarded the win. Bharij was navigated by ex-Baldev Chager navigator Ravi Soni who described their sea level performance in Kilifi as a testament to Minti Motorsport's hard work.
Soni said: “I’m really happy with the win—especially on such a demanding rally. It was a really good rally for us and we had a great feeling in the Skoda. I dedicate this win to the team for their dedication and keeping the spirit high.”
Tarmal said: "I didn't expect to finish on the podium as our aim was just to bring the Subaru back home in one piece. We even had issues with our intercom on the first loop but all was well on SS4,5 and 6, where we upped our game quite a bit."
Kush Patel made up for his brother Karan Patel’s retirement by finishing the coast leg in fourth while WRC3 Safari winner Maxine Wahome (Subaru) and Leo Varese (Toyota Auris) settled for fifth and sixth respectively.
The demanding Bamba terrain claimed six cars with Karan exiting in the first speed test—the first run of the 38km KWFT section.
Steve Mwangi in a Quickmart Subaru Impreza retired with suspension arm problems while Nikhil Sachania went off in one of the first corners of SS4 and damaged his oil cooler.
Home driver Piero Cannobbio driving a Hyundai i20 NG Rally4 also retired in service following mechanical problems on SS3.
Evans Kavisi was out with a blown turbo 10km into the opening section at KWFT but drove to TC 1 End, where he decided to throw in the towel.
PROVISIONAL FINAL -MMC BAMBA RALLY
1. (#16) Raaji Bharij/ Ravi Soni Skoda Fabia 01:30:06.5
2. (#6) Jasmeet Chana / Ravi Chana( Mitsubishi EVO 10) 01:41:03.5
3. (#52) Abdulkadir Tarmal/ Anthony Gichohi (Subaru )01:56:24.1
4. (#22) Kush Patel/ Mudasar Chaudry(Subaru) 01:59:09.9
5. (#20) Maxine Wahome / Murage Waigwa (Subaru) 02:01:41.3
6. (#44) Leo Varese / Kigondu Kareithi (Toyota Auris 2WD) 02:11:26.7
RETIREMENTS
Karan Patel SS1 mechanical
Steve Mwangi -Suspension Arm
Nikhil Sachania-Oil cooler
Evans Kavisi-Turbo
Piero Canobbio-SS3 mechanical
