Time to go flat out

Darling Of The Crowds. Byona aka Omunyeto only has 40 points after two rounds but has a chance to improve his ninth-placing with a podium finish this weekend in Kayunga District. PHOTO BY JB SSENKUBUGE

What you need to know:

  • Motorsport. The top drivers have been cagey in the build up to the third round of the National Rally Championship. But with the majority of the route closed at the FMU Challenge Rally this weekend, drivers will not be shy to step on the gas.

KAMPALA.

The top drivers have heaped praise on one another but remain cautious ahead of the FMU Challenge Rally.

The two-day event; the third round of the National Rally Championship (NRC) gets underway with the Super Special Stage (SSS) at Uganda Sports Arena, Busiika today. Who will triumph after two days of negotiating 340.42km is anybody’s guess but Duncan ‘ Kikankane’ Mubiru driving an Evo X and winner of the last event in Kabale last month has thrown down the gauntlet to other top drivers.

“I remain the top driver,” said Mubiru, who will be navigated by George Ssemakula. “I can match everyone’s speed. With the majority of the route being closed, we are going flat out and fans should keep a distance especially in corners.”
The crew of Ronald Ssebuguzi and Leon Ssenyange in an Evo X and bankrolled by Shell will be targeting another podium finish. “We have finished second in the opening two events and we are happy to stay with the leaders. Another podium finish will give us confidence,” said Ssebuguzi, who failed to finish four out of six events last season.

Omar Mayanja, winner of the opening event in Mbarara is ready to give it another go after failing to finish in Kabale. “It (Kabale) was a disappointment. But the leader is just 60 points away,” Mayanja navigated by Hussein Mukuye said.

Ambrose Byona of Hima Cement and Desh Rally Team (DRT) is another driver that wants the Kabale memories to fade fast. His machine failed to start on the final day but team spokesperson Odeon Tumwebaze sounds confident. “We have prepared both cars Evo IX and Evo X ( Byona and Desh) and both drivers have done recce. We are targeting a podium finish, Tumwebaze said.

Could this be the event where we see the best of Counsel Musa Kabega and Rogers Serwomu in an Evo IX? They have been the nearly men of rallying and were well placed a top finish in Kabale until the accident.

Kabega is optimistic. “The Kabale accident was unfortunate. But we are ready physically and mentally this time round. The car is okay and ready to mix with the big boys,” he said. Around 40 drivers are expected to take part in the event.

TOP FIVE DRIVERS’ START LIST
Arthur Blick Jr (Subaru N10)
Duncan Mubiru (Evo X)
Ronald Ssebuguzi (Evo X)
Omar Mayanja (Evo X)
Christakis Fitidis (Evo X)

STANDINGS AFTER TWO ROUNDS
Duncan Mubiru 160 points
Ronald Ssebuguzi 150
Omar Mayanja 100
Ranjit Kuku 75
Fred Busulwa 55
Christakis Fitidis 50
Kepher Walubi 50