ARC: Kenyan contenders gear up for high-octane start at 2024 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally

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ARC: Kenyan contenders gear up for high-octane start at 2024 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally

Festus Chuma 13:00 - 04.05.2024

The 2024 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally has been launched as the season opener for the African Rally Championship attracting over 30 crews.

After a spectacular showing last year reigning African Rally Championship (ARC) champion Karan Patel is set to defend his title starting with the 2024 Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally.

The event which will also see participation from fellow Kenyan Hamza Anwar marks the beginning of this year's ARC that revs up on May 10 in Jinja, Eastern Uganda.

Dubbed the Shell V-Power Rally, the prestigious three-day event was officially launched at Kabira Country Club in Kampala. 

Over 30 crews have registered to participate, but it is Patel, driving a Skoda Fabia, and Anwar in a Ford Fiesta who are drawing significant attention as the only two foreign entries.

The newly elected president of the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda (FMU), Jimmy Akena, who is also serving as the event manager, emphasized the organization's commitment to a high-quality event. 

“I’m glad to have tirelessly worked with Dipu and the team to see the event takes place. What I can assure the stakeholders is that we will have a wonderful event,”  Akena stated as per Kawowo Sports.

This year’s rally will commence with a qualifying stage for ARC crews, followed by intense competition over ten stages throughout the weekend, covering a total competitive distance of 209.45 kilometers.

Support from corporate partners has been robust, with Diana Komukama Ssempebwa, Head of Marketing at KCB Bank, reaffirming the bank's long-term commitment. 

“We are very excited once again to be part of the POAUR. We have had a long and strong commitment with FMU regarding this really. It is in our hearts,” she she remarked during the launch. 

KCB Bank has contributed Uganda Shillings 80 million (Ksh 2,800,00) to this year’s rally.

Fuel and lubricants giants Vivo Energy under their brand name Shell V-Power continue as the title sponsors adding an extra layer of prestige to the event.

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