Manveer leads NRC after winning in Iringa

Dar es Salaam. Fuchs Titan rally team driver Manveer Birdi has taken the lead in the National Rally Championship (NRC) standings following an impressive victory at the NBC Iringa Mkwawa Rally held last weekend at MT Huwel Farm in the Iringa region.

Manveer, alongside his navigator Manmeet Birdi, powered their Mitsubishi Evolution 9 to a commanding finish, clocking a total time of 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 51 seconds.

Despite receiving a 30-second penalty during the event, the duo managed to outshine four other competitors and collected 35 valuable points in the NRC rankings.

The event, organized by the Iringa Motorsports Club and proudly sponsored by NBC Bank, saw some of the country’s top rally drivers compete on the scenic yet challenging terrain of Iringa.

Manveer’s performance not only earned him maximum points but also solidified his intentions of winning the national title for the second year in a row.

Speaking to The Citizen after the race, Manveer expressed confidence in his form and determination to continue performing at the highest level.

“There are still four events remaining in this year’s calendar. I am determined to keep giving my best and fight for the championship title again,” he said.

“I also commend the organizers and our sponsors, especially NBC Bank, for making this event possible.”

Manveer also acknowledged the support of his team sponsors, saying, “I thank Fuchs Titan, Premier Bet, and Wembley International for their tremendous support. Without them, this would not be possible.”

Trailing Manveer in second place on the NRC table is Arusha’s Gurpal Sandhu and his Zambian navigator Dave Sihoka.

The duo, driving a Mitsubishi Evolution 10, completed the rally in 1 hour, 16 minutes, and 47 seconds, collecting 28 points.

Sandhu, who finished second in the previous NRC season, once again demonstrated his consistency and competitiveness. In third place was Dharam Pandya, who earned 24 points after finishing the rally in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 49 seconds.

Pandya, behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza VAN and navigated by Mustafa Ally, put in a spirited performance on the rugged course.

Fourth place went to Waleed Nahdii and his navigator Ally Hamoud, who finished the rally in 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 45 seconds, securing 21 points while driving a Subaru Impreza N10.

Rounding out the top five was local driver Himid Mbatta from Iringa, who with navigator Saidi Hamis, clocked 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 31 seconds in their Subaru Impreza GC8 to earn 18 points.

The NBC Iringa Mkwawa Rally marks a crucial turning point in the NRC season, with four more events left to decide the overall champion.

 All eyes will be on Manveer as he aims to maintain his momentum and defend his title in the remaining races.