Shell V-Power Pearl Rally Preparations Begin with Pre-Scrutineering

By Mwambazi Lawrence-

After months of waiting, counting down, and endless rally conversations, the much-anticipated Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally is finally here. Excitement is building across the country as crews, fans, and officials prepare for one of the biggest motorsport events on the calendar.

Earlier today, the NRC pre-scrutineering exercise was successfully held at Shell Kitetika along Gayaza Road, where a total of 23 National Rally Championship crews had their cars inspected and cleared. The exercise was carried out to ensure that crews are fully prepared and compliant ahead of the demanding event.

Meanwhile, another 46 cars, including African Rally Championship crews and selected NRC competitors, will undergo scrutineering in Mbarara at Shell Makenke, where the official rally headquarters is expected to come alive in the coming days.

The rally action officially begins on Thursday morning, with ARC crews taking part in the free practice and qualifying stages. These sessions will determine the all-important start order for the main competition. Before that, crews will have a chance to familiarize themselves with the stages during the official recce, which starts on Tuesday morning and concludes on Wednesday evening.

The Tanzanian crew of Ahmed Huwel enroute to Uganda

International participation has already added more excitement to the event, with several foreign crews making their way to Uganda. Tanzania’s Ahmed Huwel is expected to arrive tomorrow, while Burundi’s Mohammed Abas Rashanali is also set to arrive tomorrow. Kenyan crews are expected to begin arriving in Kampala on Sunday, setting the stage for a truly continental showdown.

With teams, mechanics, supporters, and officials all heading west, Mbarara Town is expected to become a hive of activity from Monday throughout the entire week as rally fever grips the city.

The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally will serve as the second round of the African Rally Championship and at the same time the second round of the National Rally Championship, with a strong total of 64 confirmed entries ready to battle for glory.