Ssebuguzi man to beat at SMC Challenge Rally, Ronald Ssebuguzi

Two-time NRC winner Ssebuguzi is expected to raise the dust as he seeks his second win of the 2014 season. PHOTO BY JB SSENKUBUGE

What you need to know:

Motorsport. The total distance of the event is 319km, comprising of six competitive sections that will be done twice. The longest section is Katabaazi-Wabuntugulu (46.6km) whereas the shortest is Mpanga-Busiika (24.3km).

KAMPALA.
Going by his consistency in the first three rounds, it is hard to look past current National Rally Championship (NRC) leader Ronald Ssebuguzi going into today’s fourth round; the SMC Challenge Rally.

The media-shy driver finished second in the first two rounds dominating particularly the second before a puncture cost him valuable time that Jonas ‘Matayo’ Kansiime capitalised on to claim top honours.

It was third time lucky for the 2006 and 2009 champion as he coasted to victory in Masaka; the third round of the seven-round championship.
With 251 points, Ssebuguzi, in a Mitsubishi Evo9, is expected to be flagged off first today followed by Team Kajara driver Jonas Kansiime, who is also second in the NRC standings, 43 points off the pace.

Their championship pursuit is also expected to be made easier by the absence of Jas Mangat, winner of the last two NRC titles after he failed to fix his Mitsubishi Evo 10 in time. Fred Wampamba in a Subaru N8 is expected to be flagged off third with Leila Mayanja Blick and Wilbert Pole Pole in hot pursuit.

The 319km rally according to David Nsobya, the Clerk of the Course (COC) has a generally smooth surface (90%) with a few rough patches.
A total of six competitive sections in Luweero, Wakiso and Mukono areas will be tackled today with the longest section being Katabaazi-Wabutungulu at 46.6km while Mpanga T- Busiika at 24.3km is the shortest.
Today is also the last NRC rally before action switches to the eagerly anticipated Pearl Of Africa Rally scheduled for next month.

NRC STANDINGS

Ronald Ssebuguzi 251 points
Jonas Kansiime 208
Duncan Mubiru 185
Fred Wampamba 100
Leila Mayanja Blick 86
Wilbert Pole Pole 86