Kikankane triumphs in Kabale
Unstoppable. The crew of Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru and George Ssemakula racing in a competitive section yesterday. They are chasing the NRC title. PHOTO BY JB SSENKUBUGE
What you need to know:
Motorsport. Twenty seven cars started the event on Saturday but only 13 finished the grueling event
KABALE.
Duncan ‘Kikankane’ Mubiru and George Ssemakula in Evo X kept their promised by winning the second edition of the Gorillas in the Mist Rally in Kabale yesterday.
The win also puts them in charge of the National Rally Championship (NRC) with 160 points after two rounds.
Before the event, Kikankane had declared he would win the rally for his growning legion of followers as he intensifies preparations for the forthcoming Kenya Safari Rally in two weeks time. “We have achieved our Kabale goal,” a beaming Kikankane said. He further noted that he was delighted to have emerged triumphant without affecting his EvoX, which he has now driven for a year.
“We are in good shape; the car (Ekisodde) is performing well and we going for the NRC title,” he re-affirmed.
The second palce went to the crew of Ronald Ssebuguzi and Leon Ssenyange - also in an Evo X. They aso came in second in the Mbarara Rally.
“We are satisfied with our performance over the two days,” Ssebuguzi remarked.
“Finally we seem to have solved the problems of the car which made us fail last year,” added the Shell V-Power-sponsored driver.
“My dream for the fourth NRC title is still on.” Ssenyange told Daily Monitor that their strategy had been to finish second, something they comfortably managed.
“The important thing at the moment is to score points in all events,” he observed. Ranjit Kuku, who is navigated by Musa Nsubuga in another EvoX, was contented with his outing in his maiden drive in Kabale. “This was my first time in succinct terrains,” he quipped. Earlier, there was drama before the cars were flagged off in the morning when contenders Omar Mayanja (EvoX) and Ambrose Byona (Evo IX) dropped out after their cars failed to start. Twenty seven cars started but only 15 finished.
Byona Executive Travel bankrolled the event to the tune of Sh35.5m. Kabonge Coffee Company, Hima Cement, White Horse Inn, Masolin Signs and Gaz were co-sponsors.
Others supporters of the event were Lato Milk, Big win Casino, Ferro Mobile, ICEA, Big Zone Entertainment, Voice of Kigezi, Fire and Safety Appliances, Cephas Inn Kabale, Kamuntu Investments, Rusenga Gorilla Camp, Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Mist Bar, Wide World Movers and Jivaji.
