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SportPesa Racing Team Makes Its Debut at WRC Safari Rally Kenya

20 March 2026
  • Leo Varese and Kigo Kareithi competed in the national category as the SportPesa Racing Team made its first appearance at WRC Safari Rally Kenya since the event’s return to the WRC calendar.
  • The team used the rally to test and refine its Toyota Yaris platform and set performance targets against a competitive national field.
  • SportPesa continued to support event activation and fan engagement across the rally route.

The SportPesa Racing Team made its official debut at the world’s toughest rally, reinforcing the company’s commitment to elevating Kenyan sport.

SportPesa’s partnership with the WRC Safari Rally Kenya involved supporting event delivery, fan engagement and celebrating another milestone moment for Kenyan motorsport.

Following days of detailed planning and coordination, the rally was delivered as intended—highlighting the strength of collaboration between organisers, teams and stakeholders.

Marking an expanded presence at the rally, the SportPesa Racing Team made its official debut in Car No. 63. Driver Leo Varese and navigator Kigo Kareithi competed in a Toyota Yaris. Varese’s partnership with SportPesa began in 2015, leading to him winning multiple championship titles.

The new partnership with Leo Varese and Kigo Kareithi is part of SportPesa’s ongoing commitment to support the growth of diverse sporting disciplines and help showcase local talent on the global stage.

As part of the partnership, SportPesa is providing Leo Varese and Kigo Kareithi with a KSh 40 million sponsorship, underscoring the company’s continued investment in motorsport and athlete development.

SportPesa began supporting Varese in 2015. Varese’s career has seen him win many titles including the Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) class titles in the Kenyan National Rally Championship. He was also crowned the winner in 2008, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2022 – making him one of the most prominent athletes in the sport.

Speaking about his partnership with SportPesa in 2015, Varese said: “For my co-driver and myself, winning two out of two events is truly no mean achievement. Big up to our sponsors SportPesa who made it all happen.”

Read more about SportPesa’s sponsorship of Varese here.


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