Jas Mangat leads 2024 Moil EMC Kyabazinga Rally.
Dominates with 17:49.4 time; Mutebi trails by 2:18.
Rookie Ssegaabwe/Mathias impress in third place.
Day two challenges with strategic starts and 80km competition.
Dominance on Day One
Jas Mangat, the seasoned National rally champion with three titles to his name, showcased his mastery once again in the 2024 Moil EMC Kyabazinga Rally. Piloting the Hyundai i20 alongside co-driver Enock Oling, Mangat set a blistering pace from the outset, clocking an impressive time of 17 minutes and 49.4 seconds on day one’s challenging stages. His flawless performance not only secured him the lead but also highlighted his ability to consistently deliver under pressure.
Chasing Shadows: Rivals and Contenders
Hot on Mangat’s trail was Nasser Mutebi, a formidable competitor known for his speed and tactical acumen. Despite his best efforts, Mutebi finished the day with a time of 20 minutes and 7.4 seconds, trailing Mangat by a significant margin of over two minutes. The gap underscored Mangat’s early dominance and positioned him as the driver to beat as the rally progressed into its more grueling stages.
Rising Stars: Surprise Performances
Amidst the seasoned champions, a standout performance came from the rookie duo of Musa Ssegaabwe and Mathias in their Mitsubishi Evo9. Making their mark in the Clubman Rally championship category, Ssegaabwe and Mathias secured the third position after leg one with a commendable time of 21 minutes and 30.1 seconds. Their achievement not only highlighted their talent but also hinted at a future challenge to the established order in Ugandan rallying.
Strategy Unfolds: Day Two Challenges
As day two dawned, anticipation mounted with the commencement of two early morning stages—Segamu14 and MCR1—each to be repeated, covering a competitive distance of 80 kilometers. The strategic aspect of rally racing came into play as teams adjusted their tactics to cope with varying conditions and the evolving nature of the stages.
The descending start order added an intriguing dimension to the competition. Mangat, holding the lead, benefitted from starting last, allowing him to navigate stages with less debris and optimal conditions. In contrast, Nasib Ssesanga in the Toyota Celica, starting first on the road, faced the challenge of breaking through potentially rougher terrain as more cars passed through.
The 2024 Moil EMC Kyabazinga Rally promises not only high-speed drama but also strategic maneuvering and unexpected twists. Mangat’s commanding lead on day one sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion, with rivals like Mutebi and the up-and-coming talents aiming to close the gap.
