Ronald Sebuguzi will have his sights set on a fourth national rally title after securing a podium finish in the season-opening event in Mbarara.
The Lumala @60 Mama @90 Birthday Rally took place over the weekend with crews initiating their season targets.
Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa, in a Ford Fiesta Proto, were yet again among the front runners for the top spot. Their battle with Yasin Nasser at the Super Special Stage left the fans yearning for more.
The crew’s impressive run was disrupted by mechanical issues. Nonetheless, they remained focused to finish second overall 2 minutes and 35 seconds behind event winner Ponsiano Lwakataka.
“The event has been good for us. We had started very well, but unfortunately, we got a puncture and lost some time,” said Sebuguzi.
“We are glad to have the second position. We are going to go back and strategize and build on it for the title chase,” he added.
Sebuguzi has over the years come so close to a fourth title but only to lose it in the last events of the season.
The three-time NRC champion has now dedicated this season to ending that jinx.
“In the previous years, my main target was to win every rally that I did with less focus on the title. This time, the target is to win the championship, that is why these points are so important for us,” he told Kawowo Sports.
“We are going to go back to fix everything and also work on the fitness. We are going to double our preparation to be ready by the next event,” he said.
Sebuguzi collected 53 points. He is now 5 points behind NRC leader Ponsiano Lwakataka.
The next event is scheduled for April and heading to Masaka district.