All is set for the The Gorillas in the Mist Rally; second round of the National Rally Championship this weekend.
The first edition of the rally produced exciting action with the fight for the top spot lasting into the final stages.
And the event promises more of the same with the established rivals for the top positions.
Kawowo Sports breaks down Kabale Rally into three; the challenge, contenders and challengers.
The Challenge
A total distance of 178.86kilometres is up for the two-days battle. The event is divided into six competitive stages. The stages have been described as fast, rough, tight and with many bends and curling around the Kigezi highlands.
The Contenders
Jas Mangat/Joseph Kamya (Evo X)
The Pili Pili Rally Team are the reigning NRC champions and Kabale Rally defending champion. But having started the season on the bad note, Mangat is one expected to standout.
The crew will be keen on scoring some season points.
Omar Mayanja/Hussein Mukuye (Evo X)
With a great start to the season and now championship leader, Mayanja is expected to up his game in all aspects to ensure he maintains his NRC lead. But his focus will be on gaining a respectable position.
Ronald Sebuguzi/Leon Ssenyange (Evo X)
Sebuguzi desires this year’s NRC title and he will pull all stops to score points. With a second finish in the season opening event, victory in Kabale will boost the team’s season target.
Hassan Alwi/Enoch Olinga (Subaru Impreza)
It was from the Kabale Rally last year that Alwi showcased his potentials as a fast driver. With a bad start to a season, Alwi is undoubtedly set to go for the top spot.
Duncan Mubiru/George Semakula (Evo X)
Mubiru cannot be excluded from the Kabale Rally podium battle. With a second podium finish last year when he debuted his Evo X, he will not look further than a win this weekend.
Kuku Ranjit/Musa Nsubuga (Evo X)
As they make a debut in the Kabale Rally, Ranjit will be out to learn more about Kabale. And with previous performances, the crew could spring a surprise.
Arthur Blick Jnr/Noella Blick (Subaru N10)
Despite his past misfortunes, Blick’s contention is never undermined regardless. And he is likely to use Kabale as a redeemer to his second title chase.
The Challengers
Ambrose Byona/Derrick Lubambula (Evo 9)
A native of Kabale can only be satisfied with a top position finish. And that’s one major reason Byona will put up a fight for the Kabale top spot.
Musa Kabega/Rogers Sirwomu (Evo 9)
A revamped car should give the KG Rally Team the push. Their performance from NRC1 could give a glimmer of hope that a top five place is achievable.
Jean Claude Gakwaya/Jean Claude Mugabo (Subaru N10)
The Rwanda Rally Champion will have to put up a great fight to go back home with a top finish from Kabale. He is expected to be among the challengers of Kabale Rally.
Crews like Kepher Walubi, Andy Musoke, Fred Wampamba among others will also spice up the challenge in Kabale.
The battle will also go down to the Two-wheel category class and the Clubman Rally Championship.