Blick dedicates NRC title to Paddy, Kurji

By Johnson Were

DESPITE the crew of Arthur Blick and Unisan Bakunda sealing the 2015 National Rally Championship (NRC) title in the Pearl of Africa Rally which was the fifth event on the calendar, their turning point was the Source of the Nile rally in Jinja.

Blick also dedicated the championship to the late Riyaz Kurji.

Blick disclosed to New Vision that he regards the Source of the Nile Rally as a turning point because it gave him confidence that all the top drivers can be beaten. 

“Finishing third in the Mbarara rally which was the opening event of the season boosted our mental attitude that we have to push harder to win, but the Source of the Nile Rally victory gave us confidence that these top drivers are beatable,” Blick explained.

“That confidence helped us win the next two events Mukono Rally and Mountains of the Moon rally and eventually sealing the championship during the Pearl of Africa Uganda rally,” Blick added.

Beside better preparation, Blick believes having a good co-driver (Bakunda) whom he believes is among the best in the country , manager (Ameen Ally), sponsors (Shell Helix) and a supportive family especially wife Nowella Blick were instrumental to the success.

He noted some challenges which included finance, encroaching on family time and competing in three championships at a go (Rally, Motocross and Enduro) which was not only expensive financially but also affected his health.

“Motorsport is an expensive venture and without the support of my family especially my wife Noella it would be difficult for us to win,” the Shell Helix sponsored driver stressed adding that he still targets the three championships next year.

He dedicated both his NRC and Enduro motocross titles to his late uncle (Paddy Blick Sr.) and Riyazi Kurji for their contributions to the growth and development of motorsport in Uganda.

“My late uncle Paddy Blick Sr. brought the sport in the family which gave us the opportunity to exercise our talents and for Ryazi he was a saviour of Uganda’s motorsport that is why I dedicate this year’s titles to them,” Blick stated.

“There is a time when Kurji’s Alpha Dairy firm sponsored several events when FMU didn’t have sponsors,” Blick wondered.