- Gaming giant SportPesa has injected KSh 40 million into Kenyan motorsport in a groundbreaking sponsorship deal that marks the return of SportPesa Racing.
- The sponsorship will support six-time KNRC Two-Wheel Drive champion Leonardo Varese and co-driver Kigondu Kareithi.
- Additionally, SportPesa has unveiled the SportPesa Racing Rising Stars initiative, designed to nurture and develop young, emerging talent within the sport.
Leading online gaming platform SportPesa has continued to cement its position as a cornerstone of Kenya’s sporting ecosystem following the announcement of the return of SportPesa Racing through a groundbreaking sponsorship deal.
The game-changing partnership for motorsport in Kenya was unveiled during the SportPesa Multi-Sponsorship event held on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
The prominent firm announced the revival of its racing program, backed by a substantial investment of 40 million Kenyan shillings.
ALSO READ: Leonardo Varese cruises to second straight victory in Vipingo behind SportPesa Toyota Auris
The landmark sponsorship will support the former SportPesa Racing duo of six-time Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Two-Wheel Drive champion Leonardo Varese and Kenyan co-driver Kigondu Kareithi.
In addition, SportPesa introduced an exciting new initiative – the SportPesa Racing Rising Stars, aimed at nurturing young, upcoming talent in the sport.
The vision behind the return of SportPesa Racing
Speaking during the unveiling, which also included announcements on boxing and rugby sponsorships, SportPesa Chief Commercial Officer Jason Gibson revealed that discussions with Varese had begun last year.
According to Gibson, the veteran driver expressed his readiness to return to competitive racing, a move made possible by the introduction of more advanced and powerful cars.
This forms part of our quarterly plan for the year. I spoke with Leo last year, he and Kigo have been part of the SportPesa family for many years and he told me he still has a few more competitive seasons left in him.
He assured me he is fully prepared to get back behind the wheel and raise the SportPesa flag high.
We have welcomed them back with newer, more powerful cars, and I look forward to seeing them secure numerous victories and fly our flag with pride. Thank you both for your longstanding dedication,” Gibson explained.
The vision behind the return of SportPesa Racing
Gibson further highlighted the generational aspect of the project, noting that although the cars may appear new to fans, they have been in the SportPesa stable for years.
He added that Varese and Kareithi have now passed the baton to their sons, Jason Kareithi and Adriano Varese, under the Racing Rising Stars category.
While the cars may appear new, they have a proven history with us. Leo and Kigo have raced them for years, and now they’ve passed the baton to their two sons a remarkable story.
I am eager to see them on the track and to witness the next chapter unfold. The additional vehicle will be for Jason and Adriano, who will represent the SportPesa Racing Rising Stars.”
Varese praises SportPesa for supporting talent development at a young age
Meanwhile, Leonardo Varese, speaking to the SportPesa Blog after receiving the sponsorship alongside Kareithi and their sons, described the year ahead as promising.
He applauded SportPesa for introducing the Racing Rising Stars initiative, noting its importance in developing talent at a young age.
It’s fantastic that SportPesa has introduced this sponsorship and the Rising Stars category. Nurturing young talent is challenging, and you have to begin somewhere.
Last season, they competed in the Club Championship 254 and performed well. Starting early means they can engage with the sport at the right age, unlike many of us who had to wait until adulthood.
This early start is invaluable it allows them to develop faster, compete sooner, and aim for championships. This initiative is truly significant.”
Varese believes they are prepared to compete in major championships this year, including the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, marking their debut since the event gained global status.
This is a year to anticipate. Competing in the national championship will be a highlight. I have a more powerful car and past championship experience. With this locally prepared machine, I believe we are in a strong position to contend for the podium in the national category.”
Varese and Kareithi are longstanding partners in racing, having known each other since their high school days at Brookside School in Nairobi.
They have been associated with SportPesa since 2014 and have achieved considerable success, including a recent victory at the Vipingo Coast Rally Championship last weekend.
At the event organized by the Mombasa Motor Club, Varese skillfully piloted his 2-wheel drive SportPesa Toyota Auris to victory, outperforming several 4-wheel drive turbo cars entered in the second round of the Coast series a first in the championship’s history.
Thus, reinstating them into the SportPesa racing program strengthens the brand’s commitment to supporting and impacting talented athletes across the country.