Blick Jr wins Kabalega rally, eyes second national title
What you need to know:
Dr Ashraf Ahmed, the 2008 national title completed the podium places finishing third.
For three years, Arthur Blick Jr went without a win in rally but back -to -back victories in Fort Portal. However, on Sunday he clenched a championship in Hoima after winning the Total Kabalega Rally.
The Shell Helix crew are now only 30 points behind Yasin Nasser. It is now a straight shootout between the two during the Mosac Rally next month.
The 2015 national champion attributes his victory to the grace of God.
"First of all, this win is for the Almighty (pointed his finger up) and the support from my family and sponsors," he told Daily Monitor.
"It's also a victory for our manager Amin Ameen who masterminded out 2015 triumph and is now back for 2019."
Blick Jr also lauded Shell for their continued support. "It's not a coincidence that two Shell team cars are one and two."
Hajj Umar Mayanja who trailed in the second position was left lamenting about the tyre puncture at Bagambe Tea (17.73km) section.
"The puncture put me off. I was recording best times all along, but having two Shell cars on the podium is a bonus," he said.
Nasser remains hopeful of winning his maiden title despite the setback.
"The title is still in my hands. The consistency throughout the season will carry me to the end," he said.
Dr Ashraf Ahmed, the 2008 national title completed the podium places finishing third.
Earlier, Rajiv Ruparelia in VW Polo won the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC) category finishing 50 percent of the event in a time 01:09:37 and announced his arrival at the big stage.
The rookie driver dominated the day and kept the fans on their toes.
"This has been a good experience and hope next year I will challenge for the national title,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ronald Ssebuguzi and Leon Ssenyange title ambitions ended with drive shaft problem while Duncan 'Kikankane' Mubiru dropped out with fan belt problem.
Provisional results
Arthur Blick Jr/ George Semakula (EvoX). 01:41:20
Umar Mayanja/ Hussein Mukuye (Evo X). 01:41:40
Dr.Ashraf Ahmed/zubedda Abdulla (Subaru N14). 01:54:58
Yasin Nasser/ Ali Katumba (Subaru GVB). 02:01:45
Fred Busulwa/ Joseph Bongole (Subaru N10). 02:06:31
Standings
Nasser 415 pts
Blick Jr. 385
CRC class
Rajiv Ruparelia (VW Polo) 01:09:37
Peter Busingye (Subaru) 01:31:16
Ibrahim Lubega (ToyotaFX) 01:35:17