Organizers of the prestigious Pearl of Africa rally have been forewarned against safety ahead of its running in May this year.
The warning came in handy as rally officials were undergoing through a safety training seminar held at Victoria University, Kampala over the weekend.
Uganda got slapped with a yellow card by the FIA rally commission due to low safety management in the 2019 Pearl of Africa rally, that had special stage runs in Busiika and long stages in Kayunga, Mukono.
At the safety training bankrolled under the FIA Sport grant programme, FIA Africa safety delegate William Louw outlined that its everyone’s role to man safety well.
“FIA is aware of big crowds Uganda has when it comes to rallying, but won’t hesitate cancelling an event like Pearl of Africa, if safety is compromised,” said Louw.
He emphasised that; “running a safe and accident free event, is the best return to the sport.”
Responding to the FIA safety delegate’s concerns, Federation of Motorsport Clubs of Uganda President, Dipu Ruparelia intimated that; “time for barking has ended, it’s time to bite.”
He urged FMU clubs to use services of the federation recognised services clubs, and trained officials.
Meanwhile, 35 crews were registered by closure of entries on saturday 15th January, for the 2022 season opener, the Mbarara rally.
Amongst the notable entries include, Jas Mangat, new National rally champion Duncan Mubiru, Ponsiano Lwakataka, Ronald Ssebuguzi, Omar Mayanja and Arthur Blick Junior, who intends to do full season with his teen son Alestar Blick Jnr in a Mitsubishi EvoX.
Others are two-wheel drive champion Ibrahim Lubega, rookie crews of Mark Lubega, son of renown rally legend Charlie Lubega ‘Makalena’, and Micheal Mukula Junior son of popular politician ‘Flying’ Mike Mukula.
To miss out at the season opener action are Rajiv Ruparelia, Hassan Alwi, Godfrey ‘Tallman’ Lubega, Rockboom-sponsored driver Abdul Kateete and Moil’s Yasin Nasser who had earlier anticipated to be part of the event.
*Compiled by FMU Media.
