All rally fans will set their eyes this afternoon at Lubiri where the Super Special stage for the Shell Pearl of Africa Rally is to be held.
The event that has attracted more than 30 drivers from all over Africa rolls off with scrutineering of cars at Shell Bukoto this morning before heading to UMA show ground Lugogo where they are going to be flagged off to head to Lubiri for the 1.00 pm Super Special stage.
The cars will then proceed to Busiika and Zirobwe on Saturday and Sunday respectively for the competitive sections.
All drivers are optimistic of winning the rally that is bankrolled by Shell Petroleum company and to people like Jas Mangat who will be cruising his monster Subaru N12, he believes that maybe this is his time.
“Am well prepared this time and hope lady luck smiles my way”, he said. For veteran Wycliff Bukenya, this year’s pearl presents him with an opportunity to show the young driver’s that he is not finished yet.
“I liked the route and going to show these young drivers that experience counts in these events”, said the 58 year old Mitsubish Evo 9 driver.
For defending champion Ponsiano Lwakataka, he is confident he’ll win the rally but does not trust his old machine.
“If my engine doesn’t break down, i’ll win this rally. Am only afraid of Jas Mangat but he fears me too”, he said. Lwakataka will be cruising his usual Subaru N8.
Others in the race are Ugandan rally champion Susan Muwonge, Ismael Ortega, Edison Munghereza, John Consta, Peter Kakaire, Christakis Fitidis (Subaru N12), Ssebuguzi (Mitsubish Evo9), Muhammed Essa (Subaru N12), and Duncan Mubiru (Subaru N14).