By Frank Kamuntu
Two-time national rally champion Ponsiano Lwakataka has received a major boost in his bid to return to competitive rallying after the Ruparelia Group of Companies contributed Shs25 million towards the purchase of a new rally car.
Lwakataka is seeking Shs220 million to acquire the Volkswagen Proto car previously owned by the late rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia, bringing the remaining amount he needs to Shs195 million.
The veteran driver is planning a fundraising sprint at Garuga later next month, where he hopes to raise more funds and unveil the new car.
Speaking after receiving the financial boost, Lwakataka thanked the Ruparelia Group for supporting his comeback and called on rally fans to attend the fundraising event.
“I am really happy and I want to assure our fans that the day of the unveiling of the rally car will be special. I call upon all rally fans to come to Garuga and see our car,” Lwakataka said.
The event will also mark 25 years of Lwakataka’s career in motorsport, with the rally driver planning to sell a commemorative magazine documenting his journey.
The magazine will be sold at Shs10,000 at the entrance to the Garuga event.
Lwakataka, who has been away from competitive rallying, is confident the Volkswagen Proto will give him a competitive edge when he returns to the sport.
He compared his previous car, which he nicknamed “Snake,” to the new machine, which he has named “Rabbit.”
“The car we have been driving was long and was named Snake. Now the name has changed. This is Rabbit, and I believe it is going to change everything,” he said.
According to Lwakataka, the handling challenges of his previous car often affected his performance, with the front and rear of the vehicle behaving unpredictably.
“With this one, I believe Rabbit will jump in the same direction,” he said, expressing confidence that the new car will help him compete at the highest level again.
The Shs25 million contribution from Ruparelia Group marks a significant step towards Lwakataka’s Shs220 million target as he seeks to revive his rallying career and return to the national championship.
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