Katto promises fire in Pearl rally
EMMA Katto’s fifth place finish at the KCB Safari rally in Nairobi on Sunday has inspired him ahead of the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally, April 21-23.
By D. Mazune, F. Serugo and R. Olita in Nairobi
ARC points after round 2
A. Anwar (Ke) 10
P. Emontspool (Bel) 10
B. Chager (Ke) 8
P. Monge (Zam) 8
L. Rose (Ke) 6
N. Hans (TZ) 6
A. Cavenagh (Ke) 5
O. Kakhresa (TZ) 5
E. Katto (Uga) 4
R. Robinson (Zim) 4
P. Calavrias (TZ) 4
EMMA Katto’s fifth place finish at the KCB Safari rally in Nairobi on Sunday has inspired him ahead of the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally, April 21-23.
The meteoric win earned the Ugandan four points to catapult him to ninth position in the latest Africa Rally Championship rankings after round two of the event.
Kenya’s Azar Anwar and Tanzania round winner, Patrick Emonstpool of Belgium are joint leaders on 10 points.
Katto said after the podium finish celebrations that his focus was now on the ARC event.
“Having picked four crucial away points, I will strive for top position at home to head the ARC standings,†he said, adding that he would also feature in all the remaining six ARC events in Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire.
Katto said the challenge for African drivers was enormous. He lauded the spirit depicted by Riyaz Kurji after bowing out of the rally, saying it was worth emulating.
“Kurji gave us full service back up including his bus. That spirit inspired Businge Rwabogo and myself to give our best and we certainly never let him down.â€
Katto made a cautious start in the final leg when he increased his pace to set impressive times in section 13 where he was fourth.
Meanwhile, Belgium-based Emonsport Rally Team Subaru Impreza cars have arrived in Kampala for the Alpha Pearl of Africa Uganda rally.
The two cars that arrived yesterday are at Frank Fiore’s workshop at Luzira.
Emontspool and his team-mate Guy Ernest will drive the cars.
“Over 10 international crews are expected to battle for the top prize,†Alpha rally spokesman Dusman Okee said.
The multitude of foreigners will come up against local heroes that include Katto, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Moses Lumala, Omar Mayanja, Ronald Ssebuguzi and Charles Muhangi among others.
The rally sponsored by Alpha Dairy Products is the third round of the ARC series.
ARC points after round 2
A. Anwar (Ke) 10
P. Emontspool (Bel) 10
B. Chager (Ke) 8
P. Monge (Zam) 8
L. Rose (Ke) 6
N. Hans (TZ) 6
A. Cavenagh (Ke) 5
O. Kakhresa (TZ) 5
E. Katto (Uga) 4
R. Robinson (Zim) 4
P. Calavrias (TZ) 4
EMMA Katto’s fifth place finish at the KCB Safari rally in Nairobi on Sunday has inspired him ahead of the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally, April 21-23.
The meteoric win earned the Ugandan four points to catapult him to ninth position in the latest Africa Rally Championship rankings after round two of the event.
Kenya’s Azar Anwar and Tanzania round winner, Patrick Emonstpool of Belgium are joint leaders on 10 points.
Katto said after the podium finish celebrations that his focus was now on the ARC event.
“Having picked four crucial away points, I will strive for top position at home to head the ARC standings,†he said, adding that he would also feature in all the remaining six ARC events in Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda and Cote d’Ivoire.
Katto said the challenge for African drivers was enormous. He lauded the spirit depicted by Riyaz Kurji after bowing out of the rally, saying it was worth emulating.
“Kurji gave us full service back up including his bus. That spirit inspired Businge Rwabogo and myself to give our best and we certainly never let him down.â€
Katto made a cautious start in the final leg when he increased his pace to set impressive times in section 13 where he was fourth.
Meanwhile, Belgium-based Emonsport Rally Team Subaru Impreza cars have arrived in Kampala for the Alpha Pearl of Africa Uganda rally.
The two cars that arrived yesterday are at Frank Fiore’s workshop at Luzira.
Emontspool and his team-mate Guy Ernest will drive the cars.
“Over 10 international crews are expected to battle for the top prize,†Alpha rally spokesman Dusman Okee said.
The multitude of foreigners will come up against local heroes that include Katto, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Moses Lumala, Omar Mayanja, Ronald Ssebuguzi and Charles Muhangi among others.
The rally sponsored by Alpha Dairy Products is the third round of the ARC series.