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According to the itinerary revealed by the organisers, the rally is more compact than in previous editions.
Following tradition, the Mbarara rally will lift the curtains on the 2023 National Rally Championship season from February 10 to 12.
According to the itinerary revealed by the organisers, the rally is more compact than in previous editions.
Centring more around Mbarara City with its service area at the Mbarara University grounds.
The overall challenge is spelt out over a 134 kilometre competitive distance over two days of action with a further 78.9 kilometres between the stages.
“It will be a lot of fun for the crews and the fans,” Clerk of Course Aron Nsamba told Pulse Sports.
“Generally, the rally will have great similarities to those that have been run in recent years, but we have brought the action closer to offer a wholesome experience to everyone involved,” he added.
The action will kick off on Saturday morning when, following a ceremonial start at Mwesigwa Resort, crews will tackle three stages that cover just over 65 kilometres before retreating to Mbarara’s Lake View hotel for overnight perc-ferme.
Rukaari section which is the longest section of the rally at 44.36 kilometres opens proceedings. The stage is maintained in its entirety from last year but will run in reverse to last year’s notes.
Crews will then tackle the 15.53 kilometres Bam Petroleum which shall also run in reverse from last year, before service and then head to the super special stage around the Mbarara Golf Course.
“It will be massive fun, and a lot safer for crews and the fans alike, because the viewing points are closer, easy to reach and familiar with the safety marshals,” Nsamba stated.
“The roads are a delight to the crews. We expect to have faster sections where drivers will have to push to the limit, fused with technical sectors that could be absolute game changers in the rally.”
Sunday’s finale serves up more fast paced action with four stages totalling 69.08 kilometres. X Effects of Rutakirwa (25.21 km) opens the action, sharing its final three kilometres with the Rukaari section.
Another run through Bam Petroleum precedes a return to service for the crews before they tackle the final leg of the rally that runs through Bishop Jungu Kainobwisho (9.31 km) and Isingiro (19.30 km).
Up to 38 crews have entered the rally with national champion Byron Rugomoka the centre of envy as he tries to hold off steam from three-time national champion Jas Mangat.
Ronald Ssebuguzi and Duncan Mubiru ‘Kikankane’ will bring the fight at the front while Mark Lubega and Mike Mukula notably miss out this time.
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