RALLY ace Riyaz Kurji has vowed to upset Japanese Hideaki Miyoshi, winner of the opening Africa Championship event in Tanzania last month.
The duo are among 48 entrants in the KCB Safari Rally March 9-11.
Kurji, who entered the Africa Rally Championship (ARC) race last week, warned continental contenders, including Ugandan Emma Katto and Hideaki that he will make good use of home terrain to put up a strong showing.
“They will drive better machines but they should be prepared for a showdown in Nairobi. I can not allow to be beaten on home soil,†said Kurji, who earlier hinted that he may opt out of the competition this season due to the poor health of his navigator Sayed Kadri.
Kurji recced the route on Sunday and promised to go flat out in all sections as many have been upgraded.
His Subaru N10, being worked on in Tanzania, is expected in Nairobi today.
Defending champion Patrick Emontspool and two-time African champion Muna Singh of Zambia are among the 48 crew entered in the prestigious rally that start with a super stage at Uhuru Park. The cars will cover 725km — 294km closed competitive stages.
Meanwhile, home-boy Robert Kakogoso has warned top drivers about a tough competition in the Mbarara-TAP rally March 24-25.
The driver, who spoke through co-driver Henry Byansi at the launch of the event on Friday in Mbarara, said he is well prepared.
“Our car is in good shape and we are looking forward to challenging the likes of Lwakataka and Ssebuguzi,†Byansi said.
Kakogoso finished fourth in last year’s event.
Clerk of course David Nsobya said the rally will start in Bushenyi and end in Mbarara.
The rally, second on the Federation of Motor Sport Clubs in Uganda (FMU) calendar, will cover 323km — 219 competitive and 104 transport sections.
Tower Auto Parts, Saira Waragi, Pelican Hotel, Horizon Buses and Alfa Dairies are sponsoring the event.
Riyaz vows to beat Japanese
