Mangat gets new machine for Pearl rally

By Douglas Mazune

Jas Mangat has been the local favourite in the past two editions and fallen short but acquisition of a new Subaru N12B should restore confidence among his fans ahead of next week’s Shell Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.

Mangat, who dropped out of the race in 2010 and 2011 editions while leading, will this time show up in an improved version of a Subaru N12 that he has raced in for three seasons.

Mangat made a first appearance in the new car in the Kenya Safari Rally last month and tested it on home turf in a sprint at Lubiri two weeks ago.

An automobile engineer for a rival team, who declined to be named, likened Mangat’s new car to Charles Muhangi’s powerful Subaru.

“It is a better version of Subaru N12. It is actually supposed to be Subaru N13 but in motor racing there is a belief that 13 is an unlucky number,” the source explained.

Mangat, who dropped out of Africa Rally Championship races in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya will be out to make amends on home turf.

He will be up against international drivers including Davite Giancarlo of Rwanda, Africa championship leader Mohammed Essa of Zambia and Kenyan Jaspreet Singh Chatthe.

Eleven crews had already entered the race during the weekend and at least 40 cars are expected by closure of registration on Thursday.

According to FMU vice president Mukiibi Katende over 20 Ugandan crews had already picked registration forms by last Friday.

The event is the fifth round of the Africa Rally Championship.

It is scheduled to start with a super special stage at Lubiri on July 13 ahead of the second and third legs in Zirobwe over the next two days.

Entry list

1. Giancarlo Davite (Rwanda)
2. Fitidis Rally Team (Uganda)
3. Mohammed Essa (Zambia)
4. Jaspreet Singh Chatthe (Kenya)
5. Wyclif Bukenya (Uganda)
6. Edson Mungyereza (Uganda)
7. Jamil Kyengo (Uganda)
8. Peter Kalule (Uganda)
9. Satvinder Singh Sain (Uganda)
10. Jonas Kansime Matoya (Uganda)
11. Abdul Ssempebwa (Uganda)