Ali Wazir impresses in rally debut with fourth-place finish at FMU sprint

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, young rally driver Ali Wazir Omar made a stunning impression at his first-ever rally event, the FMU sprint championship held at the Victoria Raceway Park in Garuga.

Despite being new to rally driving, Wazir navigated his Mitsubishi S with finesse, posting a commendable total time of 12 minutes, 17 seconds, and 29 microseconds, securing fourth position out of 25 drivers.

Wazir's background in motocross racing undoubtedly contributed to his rapid adaptation to the demands of rally driving. His experience as a motocross ace has clearly honed his reflexes, tactical thinking, and ability to push limits on the track.

Co-driving alongside Umar Salim, Wazir demonstrated exceptional prowess, particularly in his head-to-head battles with seasoned competitors like Asuman Muhammad in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10.

The highlight of the event was the intense on-track battle between Wazir and Muhammad, with both drivers winning two rounds of the double circuit repeated four times. Wazir's maturity and focus under pressure were evident as he wrestled with Muhammad, showcasing a level of competitiveness that belied his lack of experience in rally driving.

When asked about his impressive debut, Wazir attributed his performance to the fact that "motorsport is in his blood. He emphasized that his extensive experience in motocross has instilled in him the need to exhibit exceptional prowess in any motorsport discipline he participates in. As he gains more experience in rally driving, Wazir is poised to become a formidable force in the sport.

The FMU sprint championship was won by seasoned driver Oscar Ntambi, who posted a blistering time of 11 minutes, 45 seconds, and 27 microseconds. Ntambi was followed closely by Ugandan-born but US-based driver Robert Ssebunya, who clocked 11 minutes, 54 seconds, and 19 microseconds. Asuman Muhammad secured third position with a time of 12 minutes, 11 seconds, and 20 microseconds.

Despite the thrilling performances, fans in attendance expressed disappointment with the lineup, citing the absence of prominent drivers like Ronald Ssebuguzi, Super Lady Suzan Muwonge, Omar Mayanja and Godfrey Aine Kaguta. The absence of these seasoned drivers somewhat dampened the excitement, with many fans feeling that the event lacked the star power that typically characterizes such events.

The FMU sprint championship served as a precursor to the fourth round of the National Rally Championship, scheduled to take place from July 12 to 15 in Kayunga and Jinja.

As Wazir continues to hone his skills in rally driving, motorsport enthusiasts in Uganda and beyond will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on his progress. With his evident talent and dedication, Wazir is set to make waves in the world of rally driving for years to come.