Tanzania’s Nasser finishes third in ARC stage opener

MBARARA: TANZANIAN envoy Yassin Nasser clocked the third-best time in the first stage of the Shell V Power Pearl of Africa Rally in Mbarara, Uganda, where  Kenyan drivers took the top two positions. Nasser, who was navigated by his Ugandan navigator, Ally Katumba, powered his Ford Fiesta to the stage’s flying finish, clocking 21 minutes, …

MBARARA: TANZANIAN envoy Yassin Nasser clocked the third-best time in the first stage of the Shell V Power Pearl of Africa Rally in Mbarara, Uganda, where  Kenyan drivers took the top two positions.

Nasser, who was navigated by his Ugandan navigator, Ally Katumba, powered his Ford Fiesta to the stage’s flying finish, clocking 21 minutes, 36 seconds and 04 points.

Shell V Power Rally is the second round of this year’s African Rally Championship(ARC) series.

The opening stage in the Western Uganda city, saw Kenyan wheelers Samman Vohra and the defending champion, Karan Patel, claiming the top two positions, both driving Skoda Fabia.

Vohra, who was navigated by a British Drew Surrock, was the stage’s fastest crew after clocking 19 minutes,49 seconds, and 04 points.

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Second placed, Karan Patel finished second after spending  20 minutes, 18 seconds, and 6 points under the navigation of  Tauseef Khan.

Ugandan veteran Ponsiano Lwakataka finished fourth in a Subaru Impreza. Under the navigation of Musaazi Paul, Lwakataka clocked  22:00:9 ahead of the fifth-placed Ugandan, George Mukula, who spent 22:45:.4 to clear the stage.

Kenya’s Nikhil Sachania was sixth in  23:30:00 driving a Ford Fiesta.

The second round continues tomorrow before the event climaxes on Sunday after the end of the third round.