After more than a month’s break, the 2016 National Rally Championship will resume with the sixth round-the Pearl of Africa Rally.
Biggest event on the NRC calendar, Pearl Rally; which doubles as the final round of the African Rally Championship is scheduled for 16-17th September. The rally will run in Busiika and Mubende.
Pearl Rally is anticipated to create a wave among the only three crews vying for the 2016 title. Jas Mangat (who will not be participating) Ronald Sebuguzi and Hassan Alwi are in line for this year’s title.
Withholding NRC round five results, Mangat leads the championship with 300points, followed by Alwi who has 254 points and Sebuguzi at 215 points.
Hassan Alwi who will be taking on his last points scoring NRC event on the weekend only needs to finish first or second to stand higher chances of this year’s title.
After dropping out in the last two NRC events, Sebuguzi needs to adjust his strategy to what will give him a maximum 140 points.
While Mangat will be away from Pearl Rally, his only wish would be for the above two crews to either drop out of the event or finish far from podium places.
Meanwhile, Christakis Fitidis, Arthur Blick Jr and Yasin Nasser will be eying the top places in the standing if there any slip ups from the leading trio.
The Two-wheel drive category will come in the mix for title battles.
Leila Mayanja, Edwin Kalule, Robert Zikusooka will be fighting for both the win in the 2WD category as well as strengthening their bid for the 2016 2WD title.
Pearl of Africa Rally will start with a super special stage at Busiika racing track in a 4km drive.
Crews will then cover seven stages totalling to 228km competitive distances.
NRC standings after four events
1. Jas Mangat/Joseph Kamya 300points
2. Hassan Alwi/Enoch Olinga 254pts
3. Ronald Sebuguzi/Leon Ssenyange 215points
4. Christakis Fitidis/Eric Nzamwita 146points
5. Arthur Blick Jr/Unissan Bakunda 135pts