Patel, Portgieter to face off as ARC title challengers miss out in Zambia
The Africa rally championship heads south for the second round in Ndola, Zambia this weekend. Uganda’s Jas Mangat who was primed for as a title contender this year will not be taking part citing a tight business schedule. Kenya’s Hamza Anwar also announced his withdrawal just days before the start of the event. The event […] The post Patel, Portgieter to face off as ARC title challengers miss out in Zambia appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
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The Africa rally championship heads south for the second round in Ndola, Zambia this weekend.
Uganda’s Jas Mangat who was primed for as a title contender this year will not be taking part citing a tight business schedule.
Kenya’s Hamza Anwar also announced his withdrawal just days before the start of the event.
The event could possibly be Karan Patel’s to lose. Patel is the current reigning African champion and the 2024 championship leader.
Patel in the Skoda Fabia won the season opener in Uganda claiming maximum points to kickstart his quest for the second African title. Another victory will grant him a huge advantage over any title rivals.
Patel will however have a fight with South Africa’s Johannes Portgieter for the round honours.
The South African champion’s intent for the ARC title is not yet known. Portgieter in a Hyundai i20 could potentially shake up the standings if he picks a win in the Zambia rally.
But spicing up the competition are the nationals crews including Muna Singh Jr, Mohammed Essa, rookie Seth Gomes among others.
Missing in action will be 2022 ARC champion Leroy Gomes who is currently transiting to officiating. Gomes is the Assistant Deputy Clerk of the course for the event.
The event revs off with qualifying and shakedown on Friday before crews embark on 18 stages covering a total distance of 218.79kilometers.
The post Patel, Portgieter to face off as ARC title challengers miss out in Zambia appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
