Foreign crews arrive for 2019 Shell Pearl Rally
Champions. Manvir Baryan and Dew Sturrock in Scoda Fabia R5 during the Shell Pearl of Africa Rally last year. Photo by John Batanudde.
The reigning Africa rally Champion Manvir Baryan and his British navigator Drew Sturrock arrive today ahead of the 21th edition of the V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally this weekend.
The event which is the fifth round of Africa Rally Championship (ARC), will also double as the fourth round of the National Rally Championship (NRC).
Also expected today, the Tanzanian Dharam Pandya making his Pearl debut in Subaru Impreza.
Baryan, a member of the Multiple Racing Team (MRT) will be attempting to become the first driver to win the Pearl Rally three times.
Last year, the Kenyan in Škoda Fabia R5 joined legends Charlie Lubega (2003-04) and Riyaz Kurji (RIP, 2005-06) to win back- to- back titles.
Elsewhere, Katende Mukiibi the clerk of the course has confirmed the arrival of Willie de Plessis from South Africa, the chairman of the Stewards. Du Plessis has been a steward of Pearl Rally on a number of occasions.
Dr. Gurvinder Bala from Tanzania the FIA 2nd Steward and Observer is also expected today along with Natacha Gerber, the FIA Safety Delegate who will also conduct training for safety marshals. Musa Lucho from Kenya the Technical Delegate is due in tomorrow.
ARC Standings
Manvir Baryan (Kenya) 176 pts
Leroy Gomes (Zambia) 88
Baldev Chager (Kenya) 56
