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In the aftermath of an exhilarating Safari Rally, Josiah Kariuki and his trusted navigator, John “Igash” Ngugi, find themselves basking in the glow of success. The duo’s unwavering consistency propelled them to a remarkable podium finish in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) category, marking a significant milestone in Kariuki’s rallying journey.
Navigating their way through the rugged terrain of Safari in an ex-Don Smith Subaru, Kariuki and Ngugi showcased exceptional skill and determination, securing a well-deserved third place behind rallying veterans Carl Tundo and Minesh Rathod. Reflecting on their achievement, Kariuki emphasized the importance of consistency in achieving success on such a challenging stage.
“It was no secret that I have really wanted to be on the Safari podium, and because of this special performance, we are aiming for the ceiling,” Kariuki expressed, his voice brimming with pride. “But you also need to have good backing to be a successful Safari finisher, and I think that is what we have now in BangBet. I am looking forward to some great performances going forward. It won’t be easy though. We have more possibilities in hand now, but we still have to use them and bring the car to another level. It hasn’t sunk in yet.”
For Kariuki, each Safari Rally brings a unique blend of excitement and challenge. Despite years of experience in the sport, the thrill of competing on the iconic Safari stage remains unparalleled. This year’s edition posed its own set of challenges, with both local and foreign drivers dubbing it as the toughest since the rally’s return to WRC status in 2021. Yet, amidst the adversity, Kariuki found himself immersed in the surreal experience of tackling the world’s toughest rally.
“One of our tires burst, and that made us lag behind big time. Secondly, we lost one of our lights, and that also made it difficult for us to see well. But all in all, we managed to overcome it all by not giving up,” Kariuki recounted, his determination evident in every word.
As Kariuki looks ahead to the future, he acknowledges the invaluable support of his co-driver, John Ngugi, whose expertise played a pivotal role in their Safari success. “Out of 10, I can give John a 9.5,” Kariuki praised. “The car was in good nick. Compared to my previous car, this new car is definitely better and faster because it’s a fully equipped rally car. My sponsors BangBet came through. We keep aiming higher, but I believe there is more room for improvement. My team members were great, and I appreciate them.”
Indeed, BangBet’s unwavering support has been instrumental in Kariuki’s rallying journey, enabling him to realize his dreams on the global stage. As Kariuki reflects on his past performances in the Safari Rally, from his debut in 2016 to his triumphant podium finish this year, he acknowledges the progress made and the challenges overcome along the way.
BangBet manager expressed pride in being a part of the world’s toughest motor rallying event, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports.
“This marks another chapter that reiterates our commitment to supporting grassroots sports, as we celebrate the historic return of WRC Safari Rally to Kenyan soil,” the manager said, highlighting BangBet’s dedication to fostering talent and promoting excellence in sports.
As the dust settles on another thrilling Safari Rally, Kariuki and Ngugi stand poised to continue their journey, fueled by determination, skill, and the unwavering support of BangBet. With their sights set on new heights, this dynamic duo is ready to conquer the challenges that lie ahead, confident in their ability to leave a lasting legacy in the world of rallying.