Rally of Kisarawe roars back to Pwani after decade long silence

What you need to know:
This isn’t just a rally—it’s a resurrection. The high-octane spectacle is poised to reignite the passion of motorsport fans across the Dar es Salaam region on Sunday, June 2, 2025
Dar es Salaam. After a monumental 10-year absence, the earth-shattering roar of rally engines is set to break the long silence as the Rally of Kisarawe returns to its rightful home.
This isn’t just a rally—it’s a resurrection. The high-octane spectacle is poised to reignite the passion of motorsport fans across the Dar es Salaam region on Sunday, June 2, 2025.
Located in the Kisarawe district of the Pwani region, just a short drive from Dar es Salaam, the rally ensures easy access for thousands of eager spectators. And for the drivers? The stages of legend await!
The legendary stages await
Drivers will face a brutal yet exhilarating test of skill and nerve across three fabled stages:
Kisura (Virani Shortcut): A 10-kilometre technical gauntlet demanding precision through its treacherous twists.
Sungwi: A five-kilometer flat-out sprint where speed is king. The course record of 2 minutes and 50 seconds stands as a formidable benchmark.
Kazimzumbwe: The ultimate 19km test, a behemoth built to break both man and machine. Expect soaring jumps, sharp corners, and unforgettable moments.
Star-studded lineup: 14 warriors ready for battle
Fourteen formidable drivers, including champions, hungry challengers, and exciting debutants, are revved up to unleash their horsepower on Kisarawe’s dusty terrain.
The atmosphere is electric, with rivalries rekindled and fresh stories about to be written.
Leading the charge is defending champion Manveer Birdi of the FUCHS Titan Rally Team in a Mitsubishi Evo 9.
Hot on his heels is his elder brother and former champion Randeep “Sunny” Birdi, promising a fierce sibling rivalry.
Adding fire to the race are Arusha’s Gurpal Sandhu and Dave Sihoka in their lightning-fast Mitsubishi Evo X, with their eyes firmly on the prize.
Dharam Pandya and Mustafa Ali of the Pandya Rally Team return in a Subaru VAB, backed by Puma Energy, determined to make their comeback count.
Fan-favorite Charles Bicco, navigated by David Matete in a Subaru N12, will certainly receive thunderous support. Meanwhile, newcomer Arsh Somji makes his debut in a Subaru WRX GC8 alongside Karim Munisi.
A compelling narrative unfolds as former champion navigator Zubayr Piredina switches roles to driver for Saini Racing, navigating the Subaru GC8 with Saidi Hamisi.
The Munge Racing team features Altaaf Munge and Ally Hamoud in their Ford Fiesta R5, while younger brother Shehzad Munge, with Aron John, promises “sideways action” in the Kisura stage with their Mitsubishi Evo X.
Also in the mix is Esmail Thariya, partnered with Victor Jackson, known for his fearless approach to the Kazimzumbwe jumps in a Mitsubishi Evo 9.
For a classic touch, Zaneal Somji and Zuber Kara take on the terrain in a vintage Range Rover.
Local hero Tufail “Sonu” Tufail, navigated by Farhad Mustafa, brings unmatched home-ground advantage, claiming to know “every rock and corner,” making him a top contender.
New talent Ethan Taylor, son of a rallying family, pairs with Mohammed Kimenya in a Subaru GC8 to showcase the next generation of speed.
Finally, the legendary Hamid Mbatta from Iringa has entered at the last minute, confident he’ll secure a navigator and join the elite lineup.
The stage is set. The engines are primed. Dar es Salaam and Kisarawe prepare for a weekend of speed, skill, and adrenaline as the Rally of Kisarawe makes its long-awaited comeback.
Who will rise to the challenge and conquer these legendary stages?