Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya Clinch Victory in SMC Challenge Rally 2024
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the dynamic duo of Nasser Mutebi and Steven Bunya emerged triumphant in the highly anticipated SMC Challenge Rally 2024. Piloting a Mitsubishi Evo9 with finesse and precision, the pair secured their victory after a dramatic turn of events in the final standings.
Nasser Mutebi and steven Bunya cruise to victory in their Evo9. (photo credit Nicholas Kalyango)
Initially, provisional results had positioned Jas Mangat as the overall winner of the event. However, fate had a different outcome in store as Mangat was later excluded from the final results due to a missed control signature in their time card. This turn of events propelled Nasser Mutebi into the spotlight, ultimately claiming the rally crown with an impressive total time of 1:39:06.9.
Mutebi’s stellar performance also earned him the Premier division title, outpacing his closest competitor, Fred Kitaka, by a notable 17.59 seconds. The Equity Bank-sponsored crew of Dr. Moustapha Mukasa and Mwambazi Lawrence secured a commendable second place overall, piloting a Mitsubishi Evo9 and posting a total time of 1:42:56.9.
Equity Bank sponsored crew of Moustapha Mukasa and Mwambazi Lawrence negotiate a hairpin in the Smk tyres stage.
In the fiercely competitive rally landscape, every second counts, and Mutebi’s margin of victory underscored his prowess behind the wheel. Dr. Moustapha Mukasa’s impressive showing catapulted him into second place on the National Rally Championship (NRC) leaderboard, following a fourth-place finish in the first round in Mbarara and a second-place finish in this event.
Securing the third position overall were the formidable duo of Kansiime Jonas and Ronald Bukenya, navigating a Mitsubishi Evo8 and posting a commendable time of 1:46:43.4. The Subaru Impreza pairing of Didas Matsiko and Alfred Mutanda clinched fourth place, while Isaac Sozzi and Monica Birwinyo rounded out the top five in their Subaru Impreza N8, marking Sozzi’s first rally finish in Masaka.
Jonas Kansime taking on the superspecial stage at evillas kalisizo
In the 2WD category, Dr. Godfrey Nsereko and JB Musisi showcased their skills behind the wheel of a Toyota Runx, overcoming a five-minute penalty to emerge victorious with a time of 1:56:05.1. Edward Kirumira and Shakira Nabwami secured second place, while Julious Semambo and Serwoga Geofrey claimed the final podium position.
2WD winners Dr Godfrey Nsereko and Jb Musisi negotiate the chicanes in the smk stage
In the CRC category, Haruna Kataza and Urban Mulindwa dominated the competition, steering their Subaru Impreza N8 to victory with a category-best time of 1:27:02.4. Ahmed Ssenyonjo, driving a Toyota Corolla, secured second place, while fan-favorite Musa Segabwe and Mathias Kiyega faced setbacks but showcased resilience in their Mitsubishi Evo9.
Haruna Kataza powers his subaru N8 through the chicanes
SMC Challenge Rally 2024 Official Results
1. Mutebi Nasser/ Bunya Steven -Mitsubishi Evo9* 1:39:06.9
2.Dr Mukasa Moustapha/ Mwambazi Lawrence-Mitsubishi Evo9* 1:42:56.6
3.KansimeJonas/Bukenya Ronald-Mitsubishi Evo8*1:46:43.4
4. Matsiko Didas/ Mutanda Alfred-Subaru Impreza*1:52:16.4
5.Sozzi Isaac/ Birwinyo Monica- Subaru Impreza* 1:52:17.4
6.Dr Nsereko Godfrey/ Musisi JB- Toyota Runx *1:56:05.7
7.Busulwa Fred/ Bongole Joseph -Subaru Impreza* 1:57:06.1
8.Kayira Faisal/Kamoga Hakim- Subaru Impreza* 1:58:16.2
9.Kirumira Edward/Shakira Nabwami- Toyota Corola*1:58:30.0
10.Semambo Julious/ Serwoga Geofrey- Toyota Corola *2:01:38.6
11.Amiri Kavuma/ Nabira Doreen- Subaru Impreza 2wd* 2:08:30.8
As anticipation builds for the upcoming Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, scheduled for May 10th to 12th, all eyes are on the horizon. This prestigious event promises to attract top-tier crews from across the region, setting the stage for an exhilarating showcase of talent and skill. As the opening round of the Africa Rally Championship, ARC-registered crews will vie for early points, further intensifying the competition on the rally circuit.
Prize-giving festivities are slated to take place at Viga Bar and Restaurant this Saturday at 3 p.m., marking the culmination of an unforgettable SMC Challenge Rally 2024.
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