Andy Musoke embarked on his rallying career this year and he confesses to have experienced more than he could have bargained for.
Musoke is a renown rally mechanic who has worked with some of the successful drivers in the country including four-time champion Charlie Lubega, Chipper Adams among others.
“There is a lot behind the scenes than I expected. Have always spent most of the time in the service park and today I can say driving and servicing cars are two different things.
“As a driver you have a series of events you go through, from recce, pace notes, after the regulations among others,” explains Musoke.
Navigated by Joseph Bongole, Musoke has covered two NRC events and sprints.
“The few events I have done taught me a lot. We used to receive cars in the service parks when all damaged, no bumpers, damaged suspension, no lights and you wonder how all this can happen in a very short distance.”
“But now I know some things cannot be avoided in a competitive stage after surviving a roll in Jinja and facing several mechanical problems,” he said.
After acting all the major characters of rallying from mechanic, spectator and now a driver, Musoke is keen on seeing changes to local rally.
“Organisers shouldn’t put mechanics far from the cars, they should at least have the spectator stages near the service parks like other countries do.”
“A mechanic should have an opportunity to see how his driver is running as well as how the car is responding, even if its just one stage, it somehow makes their work easier as well as giving them satisfaction,” he asserted.
Musoke registered his first rally finish with Mosac rally over the weekend in 12th place overall.
“It was very challenging, we had some unforeseen problems but luckily we made it to our first finish.”
However, Musoke hopes to see his learning curve go in one direction; up. “We are planning to cover more events next season and whatever have learnt this year will be so useful to me,” he said.