Yasin Nasser eyes historic ARC title as final showdown looms in Tanzania

Uganda’s rally ace Yasin Nasser stands on the brink of history as he heads into the final round of the Africa Rally Championship (ARC), aiming to end the country’s 26-year title drought.

The last Ugandan to lift the prestigious trophy was Charles Muhangi in 1999.

The decisive battle unfolds this weekend at the Mkwawa International Rally of Tanzania in Morogoro, the fifth and final leg of the ARC season. Nasser, backed by Moil Energies, leads the championship standings with 118 points, narrowly ahead of Kenyan rival Samman Vohra, who sits at 106.

But the road to glory is anything but smooth. A group of drivers from Kenya and Tanzania appear determined to bolster Vohra’s title bid, posing a strategic threat to Nasser’s chances.

Among them are defending champion Karan Patel, returning after missing two rounds—Kenya’s Aakif Viran, and Tanzanians Altaaf Munge and Ahmed Huwel. Their collective aim seems to be pushing Nasser down the order by finishing just behind Vohra.

Despite the pressure, Nasser’s path to the title remains clear: he must finish directly behind Vohra or ahead of him. If Vohra wins in Tanzania, Nasser must secure second place to clinch the championship. Should Vohra finish fifth, and the top four spots go to the supporting drivers, Nasser would need to finish sixth to seal the title. Any finish ahead of Vohra guarantees the crown for Uganda.

This marks Nasser’s third serious attempt at the ARC title. In 2021, he finished runner-up to Carl Tundo, and in 2023, he was leading the championship before a crash ended his campaign. With co-driver Ali Katumba alongside him, Nasser will rely on precision, resilience, and tactical brilliance to bring the title home.

A total of 23 drivers are expected to compete, including 10 in the ARC main and ARC 2 categories, and 13 in the Tanzanian National Rally Championship (TNRC).

As engines roar in Morogoro, all eyes will be on the showdown between Nasser and Vohra. For Uganda, it’s a chance to rewrite rally history—and for Nasser, a shot at fulfilling a long-awaited dream.

ARC standings before Grand finale

Yasin Nasser (Ug) – 118 points

Samman Vohra (Ken) – 106 points

Nikhil Sachania (Ken) – 77 points

Carl Tundo (Ken) – 50 points

Prince Charles Nyerere (Ken) – 46 points

Jeremiah Wahome (Ken) – 42 points

Karan Patel (Ken) – 35 points