Gulu Gears Up for Thrilling Penultimate Stage of Uganda National Rally Championship
By Mwambazi Lawrence
Gulu, Uganda – August 26, 2024: The excitement is starting to build as Gulu prepares to host the penultimate stage of the Uganda National Rally Championship (UNRC) from October 11th to 13th, 2024.This event will be organized by Central motor Club (CM). This year’s rally promises to be a landmark event, with a fresh course and exhilarating stages that will put both drivers and fans on the edge of their seats.
For the first time, Gulu will showcase its unique charm as the backdrop for this high-octane rally. Unlike usual, ,this event will be run over an intense two-day period: Friday and Saturday, leaving Sunday for participants and fans to drive back home at their leisure.
The rally kicks off on Friday with a morning dedicated to scrutineering, where teams will ensure their vehicles meet all technical requirements. The action heats up in the afternoon with the ceremonial start, setting the stage for the weekend’s excitement. At 3 PM, the spotlight shifts to the Pece War Memorial Stadium for a thrilling superspecial stage, where fans will have a front-row seat to witness the high-speed maneuvers.
The view of Pece war memorial Stadium from above
Saturday will feature 3 series of long, challenging stages that will test the mettle of the competitors. The day will include:
- Stage 1 (27 km): This stage begins as a tight, technical course but opens up significantly after 8 km. Competitors will navigate a series of seven intricate bridges, demanding precise handling, followed by 10 km of fast jumps and stretches.
- Stage 2 (14 km): This stage is the smoothest of the entire season but features a loose surface and about 10 bridges. Competitors will need to stay sharp and attentive to the pace notes in order to survive this stage.
- Stage 3 (12 km): This open stage, characterized by wide roads and high speeds, features a rough final 3 km. It will also double as the power stage, where drivers will need to push their limits to gain crucial extra points. All stages will be run on Fort Patiko Road.
This rally is set to be pivotal in the championship race, with three crews in contention for the title. Dr. Moustapha Mukasa leads with 225 points, closely followed by Ronald Sebuguzi with 203 points. Speed star Jas Mangat is not far behind, holding 200 points. Ibrahim Lubega leads the 2WD category, with Edward Kirumira and Semambo Julious in hot pursuit. In the CRC category, Musa Segambwe is leading, trailed by Haruna Kataza and Hajji Senyonjo.
The welcome to Gulu monument
A notable wildcard in this event is Yasin Nasser in a fully rebuilt ford fiesta R5 dubbed “Nemo” who will be making a comeback after a season-long hiatus, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the event.
With all stages set in new territory for the rally, Gulu’s debut as a rally host is bound to bring surprises and create memorable moments. Both competitors and fans can look forward to an unforgettable experience as the NRC approaches its thrilling climax.
Gulu’s vibrant nightlife will offer a perfect counterpoint to the adrenaline-pumping action, providing crews and fans alike with ample opportunity to unwind and celebrate the rally’s successes.
As the countdown to October 11th starts, the anticipation is palpable. Rally enthusiasts, mark your calendars Gulu is set to deliver a spectacular showcase of speed, skill, and strategy that will resonate throughout Uganda’s motorsport history.
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