Rally Caravan Heads to Greater Masaka and Sembabule for NRC Round 2
By Mwambazi Lawrence
The National Rally Championship (NRC) caravan is gearing up for the second round as it heads to Greater Masaka and Sembabule from April 4th to 6th. Southern Motor Club (SMC) is set to host the event with an exciting twist, promising rally fans an unforgettable experience.
This year’s event will kick off with two competitive stages on Day 1, followed by a super special stage at Nabugabo Sand Beach. The venue last hosted a motorsport event in 2015 during the Laira Mayanja Fundraising Sprint. Rally lovers can expect thrilling rally action on the track while basking in the sun by the lakeside.
Day 2 will shift to Sembabule District, known for its long stretches and loose surfaces that will challenge both driver skills and machine endurance. The terrain’s demanding nature will test competitors to their limits as they battle for supremacy.
Masaka has always been a fan-favorite, attracting thousands of die-hard motorsport enthusiasts. Last year’s edition, the SMC Challenge Rally, was dominated by homeboy Nasser Mutebi and his co-driver Steven Bunya. The duo will be looking to defend their turf against a tough lineup, including 2023 NRC champion Yasin Nasser, who missed last year’s showdown but is ready to shake things up. The big question remains will 2024 national champion Jas Mangat grace the event after skipping the season opener in Mbarara? That remains a mystery. What’s not a mystery is that Duncan Mubiru is making a full-throttle return after sending his Ford Fiesta Proto on a vacation to Latvia for a full rebuild.
After the dust settled in Mbarara, Ponsiano Lwakataka and Paul Musazi lead with 57 points, closely followed by Ronald Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa with 53 points. Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba aren’t far behind, sitting in third with 47 points. Expect maximum attacks from all these heavyweights as they battle for crucial points to keep their title hopes alive.
In the 2WD category, Edward Kirumira and Monica Birwinyo are setting the pace with 27 points after a stellar win in Mbarara. Hajji Amir Kavuma and Kenneth Kavuma, still buzzing from their career-best performance, sit second with 17 points, with Julius Semambo in 3rd. Meanwhile, in the Clubman Rally Championship (CRC), Walter Kibande and Duncan Katumba are leading with 20 points, but they better keep their foot down because Robert Sentongo and Yusuf Babu (15 points) and the Mbarara-based crew of Topher Katera and Noordin Bilal (12 points) are hot on their tail.
The SMC Masaka Rally will serve as a final test for teams ahead of the prestigious Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally, scheduled for the following month. This event also presents a crucial opportunity for drivers to fine-tune their machines while also hunting for valuable championship points.
With high stakes and a thrilling mix of beachside action and grueling Sembabule terrain, the second round of the NRC promises to be a motorsport spectacle. Fans and teams alike eagerly await what is set to be an exciting rally event.
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