Shah hopes to shine at Safari Rally showpiece

Rehan Shah (left) and his navigator Harshil Limbani. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

National autocross champion Rehan Shah wants to take advantage of his smooth run on the familiar course at the World Championships Rally Championships in Naivasha later this month.

The  49-year-old father of 17 is preparing for the June 24-27 championship that has attracted over 50 drivers from around the globe.

“We are aiming for victory. We want to finish the race. That will be my biggest achievement,” said Shah.

Although he missed the ARC Equator Rally in April, Shah is familiar with some of the tough stages in the rally.

“I started rallying five years ago and I rolled down at the challenging Sleeping Warrior section. This is a very tricky stage and I will be cautious while negotiating it.”

Shah has competed in four rallies in the Kenya National Rally Championship series, which he successfully finished.

He competed in Kajiado twice, Magadi and the other one in Nakuru. Alongside his navigator Hashil Limbani, Shah has been sharpening his skills in the rugged terrains of Lukenya, Machakos.

They got a sponsorship from a betting firm, Betika, that enabled them buy Subaru Impreza N10. “Rally is an expensive sport. Sadly, we missed Equator Rally due to lack of funds.

“But we continued to prepare for the Safari through our weekend autocross championships because we believe every driver needs autocross skills to make it on the undulating terrains.

“With the sponsorship we have received from the betting firm, we have bought the car tyres, rims and fixed a FIA approved fuel tank. It also catered for our accommodation,” he said.