The countdown is on! The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2024 is just around the corner, and this year’s event promises to be bigger and more action-packed than ever. If you’re a rally enthusiast, we’ve got your ultimate guide to the three-day extravaganza, where the roads will tremble with the roar of high-octane rally cars.
Friday, 10th May 2024 – Day 1
The excitement begins on Friday morning with free practice at Wairaka. Early birds can catch the cars in action as they test the 6.00km stretch, starting at 9:00 a.m. At 10:07 a.m., the qualifying stage begins, where drivers compete for positions and showcase their abilities.
Later in the day, the Shakedown sessions offer fans a glimpse of the final tweaks made to the cars before the real competition begins. Shakedown 1 kicks off at 12:00hrs, with Shakedown 2 following at 13:41hrs. It’s an excellent opportunity to get close to the action and witness the teams fine-tuning their machines.
The evening is your chance to explore Jinja’s vibrant scene, where rally-themed entertainment, food stalls, and live music await. Keep your eyes open—you might even spot a few drivers enjoying the festivities.
Saturday, 11th May 2024 – Day 2
The rally heats up on Saturday with eight special stages that will test drivers’ skills and endurance. The day kicks off with SS1 Macarena 1, a 25.44km stretch starting at 8:07 a.m. The frantic action and technical difficulties that await the drivers will excite the audience.
After SS1, it’s off to SS2 Tadooba at 9:00 a.m. for another round of heart-pounding action. The cars will then head to the Remote refueling station, ensuring they have enough gas to continue the fight for victory.
By 10:00 a.m., the rally moves to MUBS Jinja for Service A, where you can watch the teams perform rapid repairs and adjustments in just 30 minutes. This is a great time to get autographs and take photos with the cars and drivers.
Each stage offers unique difficulties and exciting moments, and SS3 Katushya 1 begins at 9:36 and SS4 Macarena 2 at 11:38. By mid-day, it’s time for a lunch break in Jinja, where you can join a rally Q&A session to hear from experts and learn more about the sport.
The afternoon stages—SS6 Katushya 2 at 13:07hrs, SS7 Katushya 3 at 15:30hrs, and SS8 Sura Mbaya 1 at 16:27hrs—promise high-speed action and a chance to witness some breathtaking driving.
As the sun sets, Jinja comes alive with rally-themed parties and live music. It’s the perfect way to cap off a thrilling day at the rally.
Sunday, 12th May 2024 – Day 3
Sunday is the grand finale, with four more stages to determine who will take home the trophy. It all starts with SS9 Sura Mbaya 2 at 8:19 a.m., a 22.55km stage that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
After SS9, head back to MUBS Jinja for the final Service E, where teams prepare for the rally’s closing stages. This is your last chance to see the cars up close before the competition ends.
The final showdown—the V-Power Stage, Sura Mbaya 3—begins at 10:08 hrs., and SS10 Macarena 3 follows at 11:20 hrs. This is where the rally will be decided, and you can expect intense action and drama as the drivers push to secure their final positions.
The rally concludes with a Closing Ceremony in Jinja at 13:00 hours, where fans can celebrate with the winners and enjoy a fantastic spectacle. With awards, entertainment, and an electric atmosphere, it’s the perfect end to an unforgettable weekend.
So grab your gear, rally fans, and get ready for an action-packed adventure at The Shell V-Power Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2024!
