Karting: Garcha tops female category, Kardock keeps professional crown
Organised by the Formula 1 Association of Uganda, the event saw a tremendous surge in participant numbers, a clear indicator of the sport's rapid growth in the country.
Marshals check the safety of the racers before setting off during the first round of the National Karting Championship in Bugolobi on Sunday. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Tarsleem Garcha put up a masterclass performance on Saturday to win the female category during the second round of the National Karting Championship in Lubowa.
Organised by the Formula 1 Association of Uganda, the event saw a tremendous surge in participant numbers, a clear indicator of the sport's rapid growth in the country.
Garcha clocked a blistering 33.717 seconds to secure the top spot, narrowly beating out stiff opposition from Skye Babale (34.122 seconds) and Lydia Zalwango (34.799 seconds), who finished second and third respectively.
Lucy Kakuru, who dominated the junior women's division in the previous event, crossed the line in fourth place overall. Kakuru attributed her tougher outing to the heavy rain, which left the racing surface slick and highly challenging.
In the highly contested professional category, Jido Kardock's standard-bearer title remained intact as he posted a time of 32.420 seconds to take the victory. He barely edged out fierce rivals Kevin Bebeto (32.442 seconds) and Kavan Garcha (32.906 seconds) in a photo-finish podium battle.
The junior ranks also delivered high-octane, action-packed competition, with Ahmed Reyad claiming the crown by clocking 33.393 seconds.
Christian Kisitu (34.843 seconds) and Aryan Garcha (34.978 seconds) fought hard to secure fourth and fifth places.
Reflecting on the event's success, Formula 1 Association of Uganda president Raymond Mugisha expressed his excitement over the record turnout. Mugisha noted that while the booming numbers signify massive growth, they also present a constructive challenge for his administration and the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU) to urgently plan for broader infrastructure development to accommodate the sport's expanding community.
Karting results
CADET/JUNIOR CATEGORY
1- Ahmed Reyad 33:393
2- Ramathan Mubiru 33:555
3- Faheem Garcha 34:336
4- Christian Kisitu 34:843
5- Aryan Garcha 34:978
FEMALE CATEGORY
1. Tarsleem Garcha 33:717
2.Skye Babale 34:122
3.Lydia Zalwango 34:799
4. Lucy Kakuru 37:177
Pro category
1. Jido Kardock 32:420
2.Kevin Bebeto 32:4429
3. Kavan Garcha 32:906