PEARL OF AFRICA RALLY A BIG DOUBT.
Uganda is most prestigious rally event might not happen this year due to the prolonged worldwide lock down on most sports activities.
Pearl of Africa Rally was scheduled for 14-16 August but with the circumstances and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; it might be very difficult for the event organizers according to the World Motorsport governing body (FIA) to do the necessary checks and preparations for the event.
However, the local governing body FMU is yet to make an official communication on the event but according to the FMU Deputy Vice President in charge of motor rallying, it will be just a matter of time.
“For quite some time we have been contemplating on the future of Pearl Rally, to either postpone or cancel the event for the season. But all options direct towards cancelling,” said Kabagambe.
“The COVID-19 situation has kept us behind schedule as we are supposed to submit the documents on time. The country is currently on lockdown and we are not certain when it will be lifted,” added Kabagambe.
“Pearl being an African event, it needs a lot of commitment and time to strengthen all arms that make up the event and staying in suspense can’t help us. Besides, all the possible dates if we decide to postpone are covered by other events hence cancellation being inevitable.
The cancellation of the Pearl of Africa will leave the African Rally series with only five events to make up the FIA African championship. Only Rally Bandama in Ivory Coast had taken place.
It will also be the first for Pearl Rally not to be held since 2002.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Africa withdrew from all African championship and the alternations of dates of the Rwanda and Zambia rallies.
Locally, minus the Pearl of Africa Rally, the National Rally Championship will be left with only six events; having staged two already; the Mbarara Rally and Jinja Rally Championships.
Last year 2019; Kenyan driver Manvir Baryan and his British co-driver Drew Sturrock won the Pearl of Africa Rally Championship beating stiff opposition from Ugandans, Yassin Nasser / Ali Katumba and Arthur Blick Jr / Gearge Ssemakula who finished second and third respectively.
The 2019 win made Baryan the first driver to win the Pearl of Africa Rally Crown three times in a row; adding to his 2018 and 2017 titles.
Baryan is also the reigning Africa Rally Champion, a title he has won for the past three years.
2019 Pearl of Africa Rally Championship podium finish:
- Manvir Baryan / Drew Sturrock 2:02:30.
- Yasin Nasser/ Ali Katumba 2:16:07.
- Arthur Blick/ George Ssemakula 2:16:11
