Shell renew Pearl Rally vows, FMU target safety

Out of Their Shells. Vivo Energy Managing Director Gilbert Assi, (4th L) hands over a dummy cheque worth Shs65m to driver Ronald Ssebuguzi (2nd R). Vivo Energy Uganda, through its premium brand Shell V-Power, also gave a similar amount to driver Arthur Blick Jr and announced a sponsorship package worth Shs110m towards the event organisation. PHOTO BY JB SSENKUBUGE

What you need to know:

  • The company also renewed its partnership with the rally crews of Ronald Ssebuguzi, who finished second and placed highest amongst local crews last year as well as Arthur Blick and Omar Mayanja.

Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) president Dusman Okee believes the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Rally offers the best experience of all the seven rounds on the African Rally Championship (ARC) calendar.

According to Okee, that will again be on show as the rally, which is the fifth round on the ARC calendar, takes place August 2-4 in areas of Busiika and Kayunga sugar cane plantations.
“The Pearl Rally offers the best experience. We continue to tell them (FIA) that we shall improve and have absolute commitment to ensuring safety,” he said at the rally launch at Shell Bugolobi yesterday.
The previous NRC event in April was overshadowed by the death of former driver Edwin Kalule, who succumbed to injuries, after an accident in the Masaka Rally.

“We guarantee that on top of having safety marshals we are going to have the police field force unit trained in crowd control,” Okee further pledged at the event at which sponsors Vivo Energy Uganda extended their support. Through their premium brand Shell V-Power, the company assured organisers of Shs110m for this year’s edition.

Commitment to innovation
“Vivo Energy is delighted to continue with the support of the Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally. Shell’s commitment to innovation through motorsport is an integral part of the extensive research and development program with Ferrari provides that is key to making better fuels for our customers,” said Vivo Energy Uganda Managing Director Gilbert Assi.

The company also renewed its partnership with the rally crews of Ronald Ssebuguzi, who finished second and placed highest amongst local crews last year as well as Arthur Blick and Omar Mayanja.
“We were second overall last time out so the aim is to try and win it this time,” Leon Sesenyange, Ssebuguzi’s co-driver stated. The crew lead the NRC standings with 240 points after three rounds with Hassan Alwi second while Jas Mangat and Ponsiano Lwakataka are tied on 160 points.

NRC STANDINGS
STANDINGS AFTER THREE ROUNDS
Ronald Sebuguzi 240 points
Hassan Alwi 180
Jas Mangat 160
Ponsiano Lwakataka 160
Yasin Nasser 145
Christakis Fitidis 135