Varese now targets 2WD Coast Rally title after win in Vipingo
By Samson Ateka, July 2, 2025Multiple former Kenya Two Wheel Champion Leonardo Varese is riding on the crest of a wave, thanks to his second straight win in the Mombasa Motor Club (MMC) organised Coast Rally Championship at the weekend.
Following his stellar drive, the six-time Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Two Wheel Drive champion is determined to make every effort to impress on a bid to make his Coast tour a memorable experience.
“It would be nice to add the Coast Championship to my collection of trophies, and after a good run at sea level, we will definitely go for the jugular to ensure we bring the title home,” quipped Varese after completing a rare double at Vipingo’s Mombasa Cement track.
Winning the overall and 2WD trophies on a 47-minute cumulative total was indeed a surreal experience for Varese, considering the strong presence of 4-wheel drive turbo cars enlisted for the second round of the Coast series.
“The game plan from the word go was to avoid unnecessary risks and bring the car back in one piece. We managed to be clean and stay out of trouble! We hope to compete in all the rounds of the Coast Rally Championship this year,” highlighted Varese, who collaborated with Kigondu Kareithi behind the wheel of a Sportpesa Toyota Auris 2WD.
Commenting on a challenging but picturesque sea-level track in Vipingo, Varese added: “It was a cutthroat experience all the way for the four of us in 2WD and coming within the same minute; meant few seconds made all the difference, bt and large. The terrain was great; amazing stage repeated thrice, very technical, plus a power stage to boot. First time round it was dry, the second pass was pouring rain, and the third pass the sun was out. All in all, a beautiful rally stage.”
Reflecting on his title prospects, Varese, who is also a former KNRC Division Two and Three champion, explained: “For my co-driver (Kigo) and myself, winning two out of two events is truly not a mean achievement, big up to our sponsors Sportpesa who made it all happen. Our boys will be flying the flag in Autocross and the plus stage as the junior team as a way to bring in the next generation.”
To win the Two Wheel Drive category, Varese beat George Kiriazi to second place as Azfar Abdi and Prakash Jetain came in third and fourth, respectively.
Azaad Manji and Shabaz Anwar (son of rally legend Azar Anwar) emerged as the winners in the buggy and quad categories, respectively.
Abdul Kadir emerged as the winner in the 4WD category, followed by the Nairobi-based duo of Ishmael Azeli and Issa Amwari.
MMC Chairman Paras Pandya congratulated all crews for participating in the event.
Paras also noted that plans are afoot to stage a night rally at the end of July.
Paras remarked: “Thank you, everyone who took part. We appreciate your support towards the club. We will try and change the route to something new.”