Multiple Kenya Two-Wheel (2WD) champion Leonardo Varese is riding on the crest of a wave, thanks to his second straight win in the Mombasa Motor Club (MMC)-organised Coast Rally Championship at the weekend.
Following his stellar drive, the six-time Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Two-Wheel Drive champion is determined to pull out all the stops in a bid to make his Coast tour a memorable experience.
“It would be nice to add the Coast Championship to my collection of trophies after a good run at sea level,” said Varese after completing a rare double at Vipingo’s Mombasa Cement track.
“We will definitely go for the jugular to ensure we bring the title home.”
Winning the overall and 2WD trophies on a 47-minute cumulative total was indeed a surreal experience for Varese, considering the strong presence of four-wheel drive turbo cars enlisted for the second round of the Coast series.
“The game plan from the word go was to avoid unnecessary risks and bring the car back in one piece. We managed to be clean and stay out of trouble! We hope to compete in all the rounds of the Coast Rally Championship this year,” highlighted Varese, who partnered up with Kigondu Kareithi behind the wheel of a SportPesa Toyota Auris 2WD.
Commenting on a challenging but picturesque sea-level track in Vipingo, Varese added: “It was a cutthroat experience all the way for the four of us in 2WD, and coming within the same minute meant few seconds made all the difference by and large. The terrain was great; an amazing stage repeated thrice, very technical, plus a power stage to boot. The first time round it was dry, the second pass was pouring rain, and the third pass the sun was out. All in all, a beautiful rally stage.”
Reflecting on his title prospects, Varese, who is also a former KNRC Division Two and Three champion, explained: “For my co-driver [Kigo] and myself, winning two out of two events is truly not a mean achievement. Big up to our sponsors SportPesa who made it all happen. Our boys will be flying the flag in Autocross and the plus stage as the junior team as a way to bring in the next generation.”
To win the Two-Wheel Drive category, Varese beat George Kiriazi to second place, while Azfar Abdi and Prakash Jetain came in third and fourth respectively.
Azaad Manji and Shabaz Anwar (son of rally legend Azar Anwar) emerged as the winners in the buggy and quad categories respectively.
Abdul Kadir emerged as the winner in the 4WD category, followed by the Nairobi-based duo of Ishmael Azeli and Issa Amwari.
MMC Chairman Paras Pandya congratulated all crews for participating in the event.
Paras also noted that plans are afoot to stage a night rally at the end of July.
Paras remarked: “Thank you to everyone who took part. We appreciate your support towards the club. We will try and change the route to something new.”
