Nikhil Sachania: Why Winning ARC3 at 2025 Rwanda Mt Gorilla Rally Signals Historic African Rally Charge

Nikhil SACHANIA, Deep PATEL, Ford Fiesta Rally3, action during the 2025 Safari Rally Kenya, 3rd round of the 2025 WRC World Rally Car Championship, from March 20 to 23, 2025

Nikhil Sachania: Why Winning ARC3 at 2025 Rwanda Mt Gorilla Rally Signals Historic African Rally Charge

Festus Chuma 15:55 - 14.07.2025

The Kenyan rally driver Nikhil Sachania clinched the ARC3 title in Rwanda, boosting his bid for the overall African Rally Championship.

Kenya’s trailblazing paraplegic driver Nikhil Sachania has revealed that clinching the ARC3 class title at the just-concluded Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally is not only a career milestone but a significant step toward redefining the African Rally Championship landscape.

Fresh from his history-making WRC3 win at the WRC Safari Rally Kenya earlier this year, Sachania produced yet another spirited performance in Rwanda, finishing second overall in the grueling rally.

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The result has vaulted him into genuine contention for the overall ARC title with just two rounds remaining on the 2025 calendar.

"It puts us in real contention for the overall ARC Championship, which is incredibly exciting," Nikhil quipped as he celebrated the landmark triumph with his team and supporters.

The Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally delivered its usual cocktail of punishing stages and breathtaking scenery, with drivers braving treacherous gravel, unpredictable weather, and unforgiving altitude. For Sachania, however, the weekend was as much about inspiration as competition.

A Rally of Resilience and Inspiration

Nikhil, who pilots a specially modified Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo navigated by Briton Drew Sturrock, described Rwanda as one of the most demanding outings in his rally career.

"Finishing second presents a proud moment for both me and the team. Rwanda always delivers a tough but beautiful event, and I’m grateful for the support we received from fans and organizers. I’d like to give a big thank you to our sponsors — BPR Bank, KCB Bank, and Kenya Airways — for making this possible," explained Nikhil.

His success comes against the backdrop of personal and professional challenges. A road accident left him paraplegic in 2011, but he has since redefined motorsport limits for athletes with disabilities.

"As a paraplegic driver, every rally is a reminder that disability is not inability, and I hope my performance inspires others to keep pushing their limits. Winning the ARC3 title is a huge achievement for us and a testament to the hard work, resilience, and teamwork that’s gone into every rally," Nikhil continued.

The Rwanda leg proved to be a race of attrition. Kenya’s defending African champion Karan Patel saw his hopes fade after crashing out on Saturday’s SS3 Nemba1 stage.

Patel and his partner Tauseef Khan were unable to restart under Super Rally rules, effectively handing the initiative to Sachania and Uganda’s Yasin Nasser.

Eyes on the Continental Prize

Despite finishing fourth in Rwanda, Nasser has leapfrogged to the summit of the ARC standings with two events left — the Burundi Rally in August and the Rally of Tanzania in September.

Tanzanian Prince Charles Nyerere completed the Rwanda podium in third place, while Samman secured his maiden ARC victory by narrowly edging out Sachania.

Karan Patel (left) amd Nikhil Sachania second from right in Rwanda

Nikhil believes the fight for the continental title is still wide open.

"It will definitely be a tough challenge but with the support of my team, family, friends and KCB we will put in our best," quipped Nikhil.

The Rwanda rally also witnessed the retirement of Kenya’s pioneering mother-and-daughter crew, Tinashe and Carol Gatimu, who exited during Sunday’s SS13 Kamabuye 2 test.

Rwandese veteran Giancarlo Davite, 62, rolled back the years to win the National Category ahead of Ugandan Joshua Mwanguzi.

Sachania remains focused on delivering consistent results over the final rounds.

"We’ve shown that consistency and determination can take us far — and we’re ready to keep pushing for the top. I’m proud to be representing not only my team and sponsors — BPR Bank, KCB Bank, and Kenya Airways — but also to be flying the flag for inclusive motorsport across Africa," he emphasized.

With the African Rally Championship poised for an electrifying climax, all eyes will be on Burundi and Tanzania to see whether Sachania’s extraordinary charge can end in a historic continental triumph.

RESULTS-ARC RMGR

1.Samman Vohra-KEN/Drew Sturrock -GB (Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo)   1:48.59.1

2.Nikhil Sachania -KEN/Deep Patel-KEN (Ford Fiesta Rally3)              2:03.39.7

3.Prince Charles Nyerere -TZ (Mitsubishi Lancer)                              2:16.36.7

4.⁠ ⁠Yasin Nasser-UG/Ali Katumba -UG (Ford Fiesta Rally2)                  2:38.58.0

ARC POINTS AFTER RWANDA

1.Yasin Nasser UG 86pts

2.Nikhil Sachania KEN 77pts

3.Samman Singh Vohra KEN 71pts

4.Carl Tundo  KEN*50pts.*

5.Wahome KEN 42pts

6.Karan Patel  KEN 35pts