KCB racing team driver Nikhil Sachania has his eyes set on the upcoming Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) set for Nanyuki after a good Safari Rally outing.
The ace, who is the only paraplegic driver in the WRC calendar managed to finish 3rd in the KNRC category and 20th overall in the just concluded 2023 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha.
Navigated by his friend Deep Patel, Sachania’s podium finish in this year’s edition was an improvement from his last participation in the iconic motorsport event that was watched by 70 million fans from around the world.
Speaking after the prize-giving ceremony at Naivasha’s Service Park, Sachania said: “I am very proud of this fete after what has been a grueling rally, the toughest in the WRC calendar. The car is not in good condition, we want to take it back to the garage and fix it before we participate in the upcoming leg of the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) in Nanyuki.”
He was among the three sponsored drivers by KCB and his teammates Karan Patel and Evans Kavisi both developed mechanical issues. The duo who drove Ford Fiesta and Mitsubishi Evo X respectively developed glitches with their cars that barred them from finishing the race.
“We always relish the Safari Rally considering the excitement and joy it brings to millions of people around the globe. I am glad we managed to finish despite the challenges we encountered in sleeping warrior and the first stages of the race here in Naivasha. We need to however improve and hopefully even change our car soon,” noted Deep Patel, Sachania’s Navigator.
Local Organizing Committee Chairman and legendary driver Carl ‘Flash’ Tundo is the other driver who put Kenya on the map with his prowess that led him to a podium finish in the WRC2 category.
