The 2019 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa rally looks to live its billing after Ugandan drivers unleashed new powerful cars to beat defending champion Manvr Baryan in his fierce Skoda Fabia R5.
Baryan, who is navigated by Sturrock came atop last year with 2:26:03:1 time while Ronald Ssebuguzi in Mitsubishi Lance Evo X came second with 2:30:11:6 time.
On Thursday, Ambrose ‘Omunyeto’ Byona unveiled his new powerful Mitsubishi Evo X at Panamera restaurant and bar as he makes a return to the cockpit following nearly two years of sabbatical due to tight business schedule.
“I want to let my fans know that we back and this time around, we want to take on the Scoda Fabia of Baryan. We are going to enjoy whilst target a top ten finish. We shall maximize speed but also ensure we complete. I am happy to return with a better car and in an ARC event. I start from where I started,” noted Byona of Omunyeto racing team.
Sponsored by Optima mines and minerals limited, Byona is navigated by his usual Derrick Lubambula. He last competed in 2017 in the Masaka rally where he finished in top five.
Byona is challenging top guns in the Pearl rally for the fifth time having made his debut in 2014 with a 7th place finish. In 2015, he dropped out and finished 8th the following year.
In 2017, he dropped out before missing last year’s action. The 2019 Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa rally started yesterday (Friday) with a 4.36km super special circuit in Busiika before heading to Kayunga district for four repeated 210km sections.
52 crews were confirmed for this year’s rally that received sponsorship boost of Shs110m from Shell V-Power. Only two foreign crews are taking part; defending champion Manvr Baryan from Kenya and Dharam Pandya from Tanzania, who will be making his debut in the competition. John Barrows also unleashed a new Subaru Impreze N14 for the Pearl rally.
