NAIROBI, Kenya — With just weeks to go until the 2025 WRC Safari Rally roars into action in Naivasha, KCB Racing Team’s Karan Patel and Nikhil Sachania are shifting into high gear.
The duo spent the weekend fine-tuning their machines in Athi River, ensuring they’re ready to take on one of the world’s most grueling rally courses.
Tuning for the Toughest Rally in Africa
Speaking after an intense round of testing, Karan Patel, the reigning African Rally Champion, emphasized the importance of car readiness.
“We’re done with our test. The car has undergone a complete overhaul—engine, gearbox, you name it—just to make sure we’re at peak performance ahead of the rally,” he explained.
Patel, who competes in a Skoda R5, knows that every second counts in the high-stakes world of rallying.
His biggest concern? The lack of local rally competitions leading up to the Safari Rally, which could impact Kenya’s overall performance in the global event.
The reigning ARC 2024 Champions, Karan Patel & Tauseef Khan are ready for WRC Safari Rally 2025. #RevvvishaNaKCB
A New Car, a New Challenge for Sachania
For Nikhil Sachania, the only paraplegic driver in the WRC calendar, this rally marks a fresh chapter. Having recently upgraded to a Ford Fiesta Rally3, Sachania is eager to push his new ride to its limits.
“After competing in the ARC in Rwanda, we’re now focused on getting more mileage on the car and tweaking the suspension to handle the brutal Safari terrain,” he shared.
Transitioning from a Mitsubishi Evo X, Sachania immediately noticed the difference. “This car is lighter, faster, and much more aggressive. The handling is precise, and I can attack corners with way more confidence.”
After crashing his EvoX at last year’s WRC, Nikhil Sachania has a new toy. The Ford Fiesta Rally 3. #RevvvishaNaKCB
Big Goals, Bigger Support
Patel and Sachania aren’t going into the WRC Safari Rally alone. They’re part of a four-driver KCB Racing Team, alongside Evans Kavisi and Tinashe Gatimu.
The team recently secured a Sh23 million sponsorship from KCB, giving them the resources to take on the four-day, high-adrenaline showdown in Naivasha.
As the countdown to March 20–23 continues, all eyes will be on Kenya’s top rally stars.
Can they conquer the legendary Safari Rally’s unforgiving terrain? One thing’s for sure: they’re leaving nothing to chance.
