The penultimate round of the national rally championship is set to provide more than just a battle on the track; but also a spot for tourism for the rally fraternity.
The Gulu Independence rally will be the first full NRC event to feature in the northern part of the country.
The rally is scheduled for 11-13 October.
Twenty-three crews have confirmed participation. As the penultimate round, the Gulu rally could determine or even provide the 2024 champions in the respective category.
In the elite category, Moustapha Mukasa leads the standings with 225points; 22points more than second placed Ronald Sebuguzi.
Mukasa, navigated by Lawrence Mwambazi, having come so close to the coveted title are expected to employ the most favorable strategy that will keep them on top of the leaderboard ahead of the ultimate round later in November.
After salvaging maximum points from the Fort Portal rally, Sebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa revived their chance for a title fight. The Shell crew is expected to put up a strong performance in search for maximum points with a focus on the title
Having missed the Fort Portal rally, Jas Mangat and Enoch Olinga will resume the title chase this weekend. The Hyundai i20 crew are 25 points behind Mukasa and only three points behind second place Sebuguzi.
Mangat enters the event as the favorite. A win will take the title chase down to wire in the ultimate round.
In the Two-drive category, Ibrahim Lubega only needs to win in Gulu to secure another category title.
In the Clubman rally championship, Musa Ssegambwe is anticipated to continue his sublime performance as he targets his maiden title in his young rally career.
Unlike the rest of the event on the calendar, Gulu rally will run from Friday to Saturday; sparing Sunday for adventure in the district.
“CMC club to bring the event up north is trying to uphold the mandate of the National Council of Sports in line with the new regulations that motorsport has to spread across the country so that the sport can remain in its tier,” said Alfred Mutanda; the Clerk of the course.
“The event targeted tourism as well. And fortunately Karuma bridge was closed. This gives the fans an opportunity to go through the national park and get to see a lot of nature. They get to watch the Murchison falls, wild animals among others,” he added.
The rally will start with a 5.78km stage super special stage at Pecce stadium.
Saturday consists of six stages covering a total distance of 112.22kilometres.
The stages are named after motorsport personalities that have had an impact on motorsport in the Northern part of the country. They include, Charles Willy Ochola, the late James Opoka and Daudi Ochaya.
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