Tanga Rally 2023: Roaring Engines, Thrilling Triumphs

The Usambara Motorsports Club played host to a spectacular motorsport extravaganza on the 26th and 27th of August, as the Tanga Rally took center stage in the Tanzanian motorsports calendar. As the second round of the National Rally Championship, anticipation was high, and the event did not disappoint.
On the first day, all nine competing entries underwent rigorous inspections to ensure they were primed for the grueling rally action. The Chief Technical Officer gave a vote of confidence, confirming that all the cars were in impeccable condition. Meanwhile, drivers and navigators were hard at work, meticulously scouting the challenging course during the reconnaissance (recce) phase.
Race day dawned with perfect weather, drawing an enthusiastic crowd to the Pongwe Grounds and Mkanyageni sections. Spectators were ready to witness an adrenaline-pumping battle between skilled drivers and their finely-tuned machines.
The starting list revealed Leading the pack was the Amapiano Motorsport Team, with the dynamic duo of Kelvin Taylor behind the wheel, expertly navigated by Monica Lyimo—the lone female navigator in Tanzania. They powered their Subaru Impreza Gc8 with finesse.
Next up, the Aliabbas Rally Team made their entrance, driven by none other than Shane Abbas Fazal, skillfully guided by Ali Hamoud. Their Subaru Impreza promised an exhilarating ride.
Third on the list, the Moil Rally Team, made a bold statement with Yassin Nasser in control and Ali Katumba as the navigator. Their Ford Fiesta was ready to conquer the rally’s challenges.
The fourth slot belonged to the Birdi Rally Team, with Randeep Singh at the helm and Zubayr Peridina as the guiding force. They were at the wheel of the powerful Mitsubishi Evo 9.
The fifth position was claimed by the Aesl Racing Team, featuring the dynamic duo of Gurpal Sandhu driving and Dave Sihoka navigating. Their Mistubishi Evo 10 promised an adrenaline-pumping race.
At number six, the Fuchs Titan Rally Team showcased Manveer Birdi as the driver and Manmeet Birdi as the navigator, commanding their Mitsubishi Evo 9.
In the seventh spot, the 0.60 Motorsport Team revved up with Mussa Mswaki at the wheel and Said Hamisi guiding the way in their Subaru Impreza My06.
Returning to the lineup at the eighth position, the Aliabbas Rally Team, this time with Aliasgar Fazal driving and Awadh Bafadhil navigating in their Subaru Impreza My03.
Last but certainly not least, the Chobingo Rally Team brought up the rear with Yousuf Akida in control and Nabeel Mawji as the navigator, ready to charge ahead in their Subaru Impreza.
As the rally progressed, the fans were treated to a heart-pounding spectacle as the cars roared through the challenging terrain. Each twist and turn brought its own set of challenges, testing the mettle of both drivers and navigators.
In an exhilarating rally showdown, the Moil Rally Team from Uganda, driven by Yassir Nasser and navigated by Ali Katumba, emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional teamwork. The Birdi Rally Team from Tanzania secured second place with Randeep Singh behind the wheel, guided by Zubayr Piredina. The Fuchs Titan Rally Team, also from Tanzania, claimed third place, led by Manveer Birdi with navigator Manmeet Birdi.
Among the nine cars that entered the Tanga Rally, only three successfully completed the challenging course, while the others were unable to finish. The competition proved to be an intense and grueling battle.
As the dust settled, the rally community gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the teams and individuals who made the event possible. Trophies were awarded to the victors, acknowledging their outstanding performances. Sponsors, whose support was instrumental in bringing the Tanga Rally to life, were also duly recognized.
With the conclusion of the Tanga Rally, anticipation now builds as everyone looks forward to the next rally event in Tanzania.