By KPC Sports Correspondent
Two-time African Rally Champion Karan Patel marks his birthday this week as the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally gets underway in Mbarara, with the Kenyan ace determined to extend his early lead in the 2026 ARC title race.
The Pearl Rally, traditionally held in early May, often coincides with Patel’s birthday, giving the defending ARC leader added motivation as he tackles the two-day event in Uganda’s “milk capital.”
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Patel arrives as the man to beat after a commanding run at the WRC Safari Rally Kenya, the opening round of the 2026 African Rally Championship.
His 17th overall finish in Naivasha broke a prolonged streak of retirements and placed him top of the ARC standings heading into round two.
A decorated driver, Patel is a two-time African Rally Champion and the 2022 Kenya National Rally Champion.
He now lines up in Mbarara in a Skoda Fabia Rally2 alongside navigator Tauseef Khan, aiming to convert local experience and outright pace into another strong haul of points.
The Pearl has always been special for Kenyan drivers.
The stages are fast, the fans are passionate, and starting the rally on a champion’s birthday adds extra flavour.
Kenya fields a strong contingent of 10 drivers, all focused on clean runs and valuable championship points.
Friday’s leg features five stages totaling 60km competitive, beginning with SS1 Charles Muhangi 1 at 9:40am.
Saturday’s longer route covers 127.92km competitive before the Shell V-Power Power Stage closes the event.
With 23 ARC crews entered and the largest foreign turnout in recent years, Patel’s birthday run will be closely watched as he chases a third African crown.
