Thirty-one rally drivers head into the 18km stage which is the opening stage of the SMC Challenge Rally in Kalisizo on Saturday with Jonas Kansiime targeting victory.

Kansiime, the two-time National Autocross Champion finished second in the Mbarara rally that was the opening leg of the 2024 targets to better those results.

Navigated by Ronald Bukenya in a Mitsubishi Evo8, Kansiime believes he can win the SMC rally if his car does not develop any mechanical faults.

Despite his inferior car compared to the pre-event favourites Jas Mangat, Shell V-Power fuelled Gift Sebuguzi, Ponsiano Lwakataka, and the MOIL team of Yasin Nasser, Kansiime is ready for the challenge ahead.

“I am ready for the battle. I know the fight ahead and I will take them on, stage by stage,” The Simba Land Shipping sponsored driver said.

The event sponsored by Worldwide Movers will see crews battle it out in 47km competitive and 65.93km liaison on Day one.

The following day on Sunday, the crews will repeat the Worldwide Movers and SMK stage which will be the Power Stage with the whole distance totalling 112.67kms.

Yasin Nasser, navigated by Ali Katumba won last year’s edition of the SMC Masaka challenge rally. 

Day I on Saturday

Competitive stages 47.43km

Transport stages 68.70km

Day II on Sunday

Competitive stages 63.08km

Transport Stages 49.77km

Totals:228.98km

NRC table standings:

Jas Mangat 60

Jona Kansiime 53

Ponsiano Lwakataka 49

Mustafa Mukasa 41

Didas Masiko 38.5

Joshua Muwanguzi 37

Isaac Ssozi 34

Edward Kirumira 29

Ibrahim Lubega 28

Ronald Sebuguzi 28