While the factory machines grab the headlines, the heart of the Safari Rally beats with the local and regional heroes. Day One saw a gritty performance from the Ugandan contingent as they took on the best in Africa and the world on the Naivasha tracks.
Leading the “Pearl of Africa” charge, Duncan Mubiru (affectionately known as “2-3”) and Oscar Ntambi survived the brutal Camp Moran stage, proving that Ugandan resilience is a match for the Kenyan mud. Mubiru posted a competitive time in the morning shakedown, placing him right in the mix with the top African Rally Championship (ARC) contenders.
The home charge for Kenya is currently led by Samman Singh Vohra and two-time African Champion Karan Patel, both of whom are locked in a high-speed chess match for WRC2 supremacy. Rally legend Carl “Flash” Tundo also remains a major threat, sitting comfortably in the top tier of local finishers.
For the Ugandan fans, all eyes remain on the ARC classification. With reigning champion Yasin Nasser and local favorite Jas Mangat also in the mix, the battle for East African bragging rights is just heating up.
Tomorrow’s eight-stage loop will be the ultimate test of man and machine.
Samman Singh Vohra (Kenya) currently leading the Kenyan charge with a solid performance in his Skoda Fabia Evo.
Karan Patel (Kenya), the two-time African champion is breathing down Vohra’s neck, sitting just 3 seconds behind in the local standings.
Duncan Mubiru (Uganda), the veteran Ugandan driver, “2-3”, leads the Pearl of Africa contingent, putting in a gritty run in his Subaru Impreza.
Oscar Ntambi (Uganda) successfully navigated the treacherous mud of the Camp Moran stage to keep Uganda’s hopes alive in the national category.
The action resumes today Friday.
It’s amazing to see these guys pushing themselves in such a classic race. The history of the Safari Rally is truly something special.