Jas Mangat yet again inscribed his name among the greatest rally drivers in Uganda. 

Mangat last November clinched the 2024 National rally title; a fourth for the Pili Pili crew driver.

Of the seven rounds this year, Mangat in a Hyundai i20 participated in six events; winning five and failing to finish in only one.

There’s been praise for him even from fellow competitors.

“Mangat is the King in Ugandan rally. Many have attempted to dethrone him. But for years now he remains the benchmark, and that makes him the king,” says Aaron Nsamba, a co-driver. 

Mangat registered his maiden rally title in 2012. He  secured his second the following year in 2013 while his third crown would come three years later in 2016. With a fourth title this year, he has equaled local rally legends Charlie Lubega and Sam Ssali who both have four titles.

“I can not really express it well. But it is a great feeling to have won the fourth title. We are proud and privileged to be among all the great champions,” said Mangat.

While the fourth title took him seven years to come, he confesses that it was not part of his rally ambitions for the year. 

“Actually, fighting for the NRC title was not our intention. We never intended to do the whole championship due to other commitments. But when we reached the last two rounds, we had enough points and there was a chance, so we decided to do the last round and try our shot,” he said.

Despite celebrating the new crown,Mangat admits it is not the sweetest victory attained in his rally career. 

“The sweetest was the first one in 2012. It was also the hardest one. The title came after six year of struggle. 

“We had a series of disappointments.  We were not finishing because the car kept breaking down. After winning the title, that gave us some more confidence going forward. 

“But winning the next title is also great,” said Mangat. 

Mangat’s pace is undoubtedly exceptional. He however acknowledges that there is a growing class of drivers that he says is talented and promising.

“What is interesting is we have so many young drivers coming up. They are very promising and quick. The little difference is that we are more experienced. 

“The combination of skill and experience  gives me an edge. And also what puts me apart is that I have a superior car. That shouldn’t be undermined,” said Mangat. 

Mangat started ruling in 2002 with a Golf Gti formerly owned by his father. He later upgraded to a series Subaru Imprezas before switching to a Mitsubishi EvoX which brought him two titles.

Mangat made a further upgrade last year  to the current trend of rally2 cars, securing a Hyundai i20. And with it came the 2024 title. 

“The car has been a completely new experience. Honestly, when we got the car I didn’t know what to expect.

“After driving it about three times, we realised it has more capability and we had to re-learn it. So, we had to know how to drive it since there were many things that applied with the old car but didn’t apply with this one,” he said. 

“Now I feel more and more confident. I felt I was getting quicker with the car after every event.” 

Even with the change in the cars, Mangat confesses that the Subaru days were the most enjoyable.

“The car I enjoyed driving the most was the Subaru. Those days, we were really driving at the limit. Those were the most enjoyable days,” he said.

With the season now behind, Mangat is hesitant to talk about chasing for another crown.

“We haven’t decided yet. That is a decision we will make in January. But, I would like to do the season opener in Mbarara,” he said.

And that could possibly spark the charge for a fifth title.

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