Drive Through The Pearl...with Reynolds Kibira
Posted: 18th July 2011 : 3:15 pmPonsiano for Podium as God decides this Pearl Winner
“God handed me this podium Number one finish,” were the words Ponsiano Lwakataka kept uttering as he overcame the devil himself to clinch his maiden Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally (POAUR) win since 2001.
It had been a Herculean task for a man who has tried this feat on every occasion since he first rocked the cock-pit and on this particular occasion had appealed not to start in position one ahead of ARC reigning Champion Jammie Whyte and Safari Rally runner-up Jas Mangat.
On Friday at Lubiri, the speed merchant had found himself in a very unfamiliar 16th position courtesy of a mis-booking by a time Marshal and by the time he started Leg 1B on Saturday, it was clear this had impacted on him psychologically. He took a penalty for late booking when intentionally he refused to lead the route in a dramatic stance that saw Whyte being flagged off first on Saturday.
However, he was to discover that again, instead of the anticipated 2 minutes’ penalty the provisional results showed 4 minutes
“I almost went mad! I wondered if somebody was conspiring with Satan to deny me this! But the good thing the stewards overruled my position at Lubiri and also cut the 4minutes to 2. God was with me, I pushed the car to the limit, but I did not expect especially Mangat to roll with just a section to go and five (5) minutes ahead of me”
Said an ecstatic Lwakataka.
Indeed, it must have been God or rather gods as some local folk speculated. Who else would force Ssebuguzi roll so early in the game at Jas so late! Most people’s money was on a Ponsiano non-finish at odds 1:10, for like the adage goes, “the devil you know…” His rolls and mechanical problems are more predictable than President sleeping at State House. Yet this speed merchant disproved pundit, fans and haters alike. He was running at jet speeds and consistent enough to finish where others failed. In a nutshell, he prepared himself despite the Hand of God.
But if Lwakataka prayed to God, then we must wonder who Conrad Rautenbach consulted while in South Africa. While he leads the FIA Africa Rally Championship at 93 points against Whyte’s 76, many questioned his decision to miss or rather his sponsor VolksWagen’s insistence that he must choose a South African National event ahead of the ARC with the championship so close.
Well, that event (VW Rally South Africa) too is sponsored by VolksWagen, so there is that admissible angle of the argument. Had Whyte won the ARC lot that was participating in the KCB POAUR, gained 25 points, he would be smiling and rally fans all over Africa would be set for an adrenaline pumping ARC climax. It did not happen. Conrad’s prayers too worked, Whyte retired due to gearbox problems at now it will have to be the latter to prayer. Unfortunately both being Zimbabweans, the gods might have to choose as the two go to Madagascar. Good luck my friends!
However, back home the NRC season goes on with Lwakataka and Susan now locking horns at 240 points and 335 respectively with two events to go on calendar. Susan (Photo: Right) was handed the best female crew for this Pearl Rally and for her spirited fight to maintain her grip on the championship, she was 4th over all and 2nd local crew.
This POAUR has been commended by the stewards, local and foreign drivers and the country at large as the safest ever in Uganda. Hajji Gombe and Deo Ssembatya worked hand in hand with Uganda Police to ensure the route is closed to public traffic, so no boda bodas causing havoc and being a menace this time around.
The Event Manager, Mr. Kagimu George, at the Prize giving thanked all the foreign crews, fans and officials(Pictured Left) for sparing time and resources to come to Uganda and promised to “revenge” like ex-president Iddi Amin would literally put it. The Uganda government represented by sports Minister Bakabulindi did the same and pledged more support to Motorsport.
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As for me, Reynolds K Kibira, it is KWA HERI, GOODBYE and safe journey back to Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, South Africa and Zambia, the countries that sent us drivers and officials.
Till next year, but remember, the NRC goes on, and I will surely take you there!!!! Check for full results: PAOUR RESULTS 2011
