By James Bakama And Frank Sserugo

A highly challenging super special stage awaits drivers in the KCB Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally today.

Sharp bends, drops and fast stretches are a key feature of the 2.2 kilometre circuit at Jomayi Estates in Kawuku that competitors will be encountering for the first time.

Much as winners in this stage do not at times emerge as overall champions, it is a test of skill in tight situations.

Notably missing this year will be last year’s super stage joint winners Hideaki Miyoshi (Japan) and South African John Williams.

Riyaz Kurji, the last Ugandan to win the event, has vowed to go all out right from the start in his battle to regain the championship he won in 2006.

“I’m taking no chances,” said Kurji after reccing the route at the
weekend.

Most Ugandans have their hopes in Emma Katto, a driver who ironically has never won the rally. Katto has in the build-up to this edition kept a low key.

But his navigator Moses Matovu said top on their agenda is accumulation of points to improve on their African Rally Championship standing.

“The home points are very vital before we proceed to another country,” said Matovu.

The Emka team, that is lying second on the Africa scoreboard, last year fell out of the same rally after breaking a front suspension.

Zimbabwe’s Jamie Whyte currently leads the African standings with 20 points, eight more than Katto.

After the super special stage, cars are to have a night park at Hotel Africana, where they will be flagged off tomorrow at 6:30am to head to Mityana for the 11 competitive sections of the day that will cover a total mileage of 175.12km.

Day three on Sunday will also concentrate in Mityana.

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ARC Standings (top 6)
1. James Whyte 20 pts
2. E. Katto (Uganda) 12
3. M. Singh (Zambia) 8
4= Don Smith (Kenya) 7
4= O. Costa (Rwanda) 7
6. M. Essa (Zambia) 6

Past winners
Year Drivers Car
1998 C .Muhangi Subaru
1999 C. Muhangi Subaru
2000 C. Lubega Mitsubishi
2001 P. Bailey Celica GT4
2002 J. Gemmel Subaru
2003 C. Lubega Mitsubishi
2004 C. Lubega Mitsubishi
2005 R. Kurji Subaru
2006 R. Kurji Subaru
2007 C. Rautenbach Subaru
2008 J. Whyte Subaru