Everything Rebuilt Except Kikankane’s Foot
By Mwambazi Lawrence
If Duncan Mubiru’s Ford Fiesta Proto were a Hollywood action hero, it would be making a blockbuster comeback explosions, dramatic slow-motion scenes, and an intense training montage. After a much-needed rebuild, this machine is back in fighting shape and ready to dish out some high-speed punishment.
You know your car has been through hell when the rebuild list sounds like it could double as a complete “new car” checklist. During its intense surgery, every creaking bolt, whining gearbox, and crying suspension component got a fresh lease on life. The bodyshell? Reinforced like it had just completed a hardcore gym session with Arnold Schwarzenegger yelling in the background. The crossmembers? Beefed up like they were lifting heavy weights at the gym. The engine? Rebuilt to ensure it no longer coughs like an old man in the cold, and let’s not even get started on the 34mm restrictor that was fitted (because FIA rules exist, unfortunately). Even the dampers and transmission were treated to a makeover. The once-loyal Samsonas gearbox took an early retirement and was replaced by a shiny new Kaps 6-speed unit, promising smoother shifts and less gearbox-related swearing from the driver.
Now, let’s talk about the heart and soul of this machine: it’s still rocking that classic Fiesta MK7 bodyshell. Sure, it might not be the freshest look on the block, but hey, classics never go out of style. It’s like that cool, seasoned veteran who’s seen it all and still commands attention at the bar. Underneath? Well, it’s got Reiger dampers, which practically laugh in the face of rough terrain, like, “Oh, you think you can handle this? Watch me.” The Motec M800 ECU is the quiet mastermind behind the scenes, making sure the car doesn’t go into “self-destruct mode” because, let’s be honest, we’ve all been there, and no one wants their rally car to start acting like a drama queen mid-race. And then there’s the pièce de résistance: that Kaps 6-speed gearbox, shifting smoother than your average rally fan convincing their spouse to let them watch “just one more stage” without getting that dreaded side-eye. It’s like a perfectly executed heist — silent, efficient, and leaving no trace of the chaos that came before it.
Duncan’s Proto vs. Lumala’s Proto
If Duncan’s Ford Fiesta Proto is a seasoned warrior, then Moses Lumala’s Ford Fiesta NRC Evo2 is its sleeker, younger, tech-savvy cousin. Lumala’s NRC Evo2 rolls in with a Fiesta MK8 bodyshell leaner, meaner, and a little more photogenic for those victory poses. It’s packed with minor but crucial improvements: lighter parts to shed unnecessary weight, a WRC-style wing that generates enough downforce to keep it glued to the ground (or at least try), and a quick-refuel system for those “blink-and-it’s-done” refuel stops. Oh, and let’s not forget the X-shift 6-speed gearbox because why shift gears the normal way when you can do it with futuristic wizardry? (But shhh, let’s keep that between us. Duncan doesn’t need to know about the high-tech magic just yet.)
While Lumala’s Evo2 might be the poster child for sleek, tech-heavy, futuristic rallying, Duncan’s Proto has something money can’t buy: experience. A few wrinkles? Sure. But what’s that? A few creases in the face of a fighter who knows how to win when the odds are stacked against him. And behind the wheel? Kikankane the man with ice in his veins, the driver who makes even the toughest machines look like they’re born to win. Lumala’s Evo2 might have all the fancy gadgets, butKikankane’s Proto has heart. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is something you can’t measure with technology!
With this major rebuild, Duncan Mubiru’s Ford Fiesta Proto is once again ready to terrorize rally stages. The question is, will the car behave this time, or will it continue its love-hate relationship with the finish line? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure whether it’s flying through the air, sliding through corners, or limping into service on three wheels, Duncan and his reborn beast will always put on a show. So Get ready, dear fans: Kikankane’s Ford Fiesta Proto is back, and it’s not here to play nice!
And guess what? The two Ford Fiesta Protos have just touched down from Latvia and are now safely lounging in Kampala, ready to be offloaded and inspected by URA. They’re currently on a VIP waiting list for some paperwork magic. Keep your eyes peeled though next week, these bad boys will be cruising around.
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