Lwakataka takes honours in Mbarara

Lwakataka cruises to victory in an earlier event. PHOTOS: JB SSENKUBUGE

Mbarara/Kampala

Provisional results – Top 10
P. Lwakataka 02:02: 24
N. Mutebi 02:19:12
S. Ssemujju 02:19: 21
S. Muwonge 02: 33: 43
G. Lubega 02:35:43
A. Ashraf 02:37:55
D. Mubiru 02:38:56
S. Singh 02:51: 14
K. Ntaro 02:54:29
M. Sanya 03:10:07
NRC standings
P. Lwakataka 100 points
N. Mutebi 75
S. Ssemujju 60

Ponsiano Lwakataka can start dreaming about a third National Rally Championship (NRC) title in just six years after winning the season opener which ended in Mbarara yesterday.

The last four national champions, including Lwakataka (Subaru N8) in 2005 and 2007, have won the Mbarara event. Lwakataka will hope that he lives to the fairytale over the six-leg NRC season.

Co-driven by Musa Nsubuga, Lwakataka, clocked a time of two hours, two minutes and 24 seconds to dominate the 340.3km two-day rally.
“I am very happy to have won because very many people never wanted me to participate. I didn’t speed so much because the people I had were not threatening me,” Lwakataka said.

He won six of the nine competitive sections to finish 17 minutes ahead of Nasser Mutebi/Bashir Mbogo (Subaru N8) while 2009 clubman rally champion Shafique Ssemujju/Leon Ssenyange (Subaru N10) was third, a meagre nine seconds behind.

Seven of the 21 drivers who started failed to reach the flying finish as competitors had to contend with a sprint on the Booma grounds’ tarmac and two night sections; Kibega-Biharwe (29.2km) and Biharwe-Kyamugorani (45.5km).

Lwakataka and Ssemujju split the two-run 3.6km sprint before the former clinched the second night section after Mutebi had claimed the first. “Drivers demanded shorter night sections to enhance safety but this wasn’t granted. Everyone enjoyed in the end,” driver Peter Kakaire, who finished 13th, said at the prize-giving ceremony. Susan Muwonge/Edmond Kyeyune (Subaru N10) was fourth, one place ahead of Godfrey Lubega/George Ssemakula (Subaru N8).

Dr Ahmed Ashraf/Daniel Ayebare (Subaru N8), the 2008 champion, could only manage sixth as Rogers Kiggundu/Julius Sserunjogi (Subaru N4) escaped unhurt when the bonnet of their car flew off, smashing the windscreen. Reigning champion Ronald Ssebuguzi skipped the rally which was sponsored by Tap Auto Works and Lake View Hotel.