The "Lion of Iringa" has roared again. Ahmed Huwel, piloting his high-performance Ford Fiesta Proto, has clinched the 2025 Tanzania National Rally Championship (NRC) title, cementing his status as a living legend of East African motorsport.

In a season defined by mechanical attrition and fierce rivalry, Huwel's consistency proved to be the difference. The veteran driver, navigated by his trusted co-driver Rahim Suleiman, sealed the championship with a calculated drive in the season finale, holding off a fierce challenge from Dar es Salaam's Randeep Singh.

A Season of Grit

Huwel's victory is not just about speed; it is about resilience. The 2025 calendar was brutal, with stages in Morogoro and Tanga claiming multiple cars with suspension failures. Huwel's team, however, kept the Ford Fiesta running like a Swiss watch.

"This title feels sweeter than the first one," Huwel told reporters at the podium, champagne dripping from his race suit. "The young boys are fast—Randeep, Nahdi—they push you to the limit. But experience teaches you when to floor it and when to lift. Today, we lifted just enough to finish first."

• The Rivalry: Randeep Singh (Mitsubishi Evo 10) fought valiantly, pushing Huwel to the final stage. "He is a machine," Singh admitted of his rival. "You think you have dropped him, and then you see his dust in your mirror. He deserves it."
• Regional Implications: Huwel's win sets the stage for a tantalizing clash in the upcoming East African Safari Classic. With Kenyan drivers dominating the regional scene, Huwel is Tanzania's best hope for cross-border glory.

The Future of Tanzanian Rally

The 2025 season has seen a resurgence in fan interest, with thousands lining the dusty routes of Iringa and Bagamoyo. Huwel's victory serves as a bridge between the golden era of rally and the new generation. His Mkwawa Rally Team has been instrumental in sponsoring young talent, ensuring that when the Lion finally retires, the pride remains strong.

For now, the trophy returns to Iringa, and the dusty roads of Tanzania have a familiar king.