From Childhood Dreams to 2024 Tanzania National Rally Champion
By Mwambazi Lawrence
Manveer Birdi’s journey to becoming the 2024 Tanzania National Rally Champion is proof to perseverance, passion, and familial inspiration. The rally ace, who drives a Mitsubishi Evo 9, stands atop the motorsport world in Tanzania, but his story started long before his championship-winning season.
Born into a household steeped in rallying, Manveer grew up idolizing his father, a two-time Tanzania National Rally Champion in 1998 and 1999. Watching his father’s victories instilled an early love for the sport. His older brother carried the torch into the 2000s, starting his rallying career in 2006. Together, the Birdi family became synonymous with Tanzanian rallying, and Manveer’s early years were spent not only spectating but also contributing to the sport.“I started by organizing events, serving as a CRO and COC, and even as an FIA Steward for the 2018 Kenyan ARC round,” Manveer recounts. “But I always dreamed of being behind the wheel.”
That dream became a reality in 2017, when his brother lent him a rally car. Though the event ended in retirement after just one stage due to mechanical failure, the thrill of those few kilometers sealed his fate.
Manveer’s early rallying career was marked by challenges. Between 2020 and 2022, mechanical failures led to repeated retirements, including a devastating loss in the 2022 championship’s final round, where he was leading but retired two stages from the finish.“Those moments were incredibly tough,” he admits. “But I had the right team and family behind me, pushing me to keep going.”
Manveer also credits his father and brother for their unwavering support and mentorship. “My dad showed me both the competitive and organizational sides of rallying, and my brother has been my biggest mentor, always encouraging me.”
Coming into the 2024 season, Manveer was determined to rewrite his story. After a consistent 2023 season, he and his team left nothing to chance. “We rebuilt the cars completely and focused on reliability. It paid off,” he says with pride.The season began with a podium and power stage win in the opening event, followed by a rally victory in the second round. These performances gave him a solid lead in the championship, allowing a strategic approach in the final rounds.The decisive moment came in the last rally of the season, where the goal was to finish in the top 10 to secure the title. “Driving under such pressure wasn’t easy, but we stayed calm and focused. Crossing the finish line as the 2024 champion was a dream come true.”
Manveer’s love for Mitsubishi runs deep, tracing back to his childhood when the family owned an Evo 7 street car. His brother’s success with Evo 7 and Evo 9 models cemented the brand as the natural choice for Manveer’s rallying career.“The speed and adrenaline of driving a Mitsubishi is unmatched,” he says.
While Manveer hopes to continue dominating Tanzania’s rally scene, he harbors dreams of competing internationally, particularly within East Africa. However, financial constraints remain a barrier.“For now, my focus is on Tanzania, but if an opportunity arises, I’d love to represent the country regionally,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Manveer offers advice to aspiring rally drivers: “Never give up. There will be obstacles, but if you follow your dreams with determination, you will achieve them.”
As the motorsport community in Tanzania faces challenges, Manveer remains optimistic about the sport’s future. “The turnout at recent events has been encouraging. It’s vital to keep rallying alive and thriving, not just for drivers but for fans and the next generation.”
Manveer’s championship is not only a personal achievement but a victory shared with his team, family, and sponsors. “Their support has been immense, and this title wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
With the 2024 Tanzania National Rally Championship trophy in hand, Manveer Birdi’s story is far from over. His journey continues to inspire, proving that resilience and passion can overcome even the toughest challenges.
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