Pearl of Africa Rally

Day two
Provisional results (Top ten)
M. Singh (Subaru)     01:45:25
J. Whyte (Subaru)    01:48:37
E. Katto (Subaru)     01:50:17
D. Giancarlo (Subaru)01:51:08
O. Costa (Subaru)    01:52:29 
M. Essa (Subaru)     01:52:49
J. Mangat (Subaru)  01:55:45
B. Muchemu (Subaru) 02:14:01
R. Sebuguzi (Mitsubishi) 02:14:12
N. Mutebi (Subaru) 02:15:01

The entire East African rally fraternity was yesterday left in shock after the sudden death of Uganda’s rally ace Riyaz Kurji in the highly billed Pearl of Africa Uganda rally.

Kurji, who was chasing for his third Pearl of Africa crown after victories in 2005 and 2006, died after crushing his Subaru Impreza N8.

The accident happened in the ninth competitive section of the 170.72km second leg which was spread over 11 competitive sections.

Kurji, who was in the lead at the time, is reported to have lost control of the car hitting an anthill and a tree and died on instantly. His co-driver Sayed Kadri is however reported not to have been seriously hurt.

"It is very unfortunate. He was a great driver and person,” a rally guide who preferred anonymity said.

Despite the blow, drivers still completed the second leg with two-time Africa Rally Champion Muna Singh in the lead with a time of one hour, 45 minutes and 25 seconds.

Last year’s Pearl of Africa champion Jamie Whyte came second (01:48:37) while Emma Katto completed the top three slots after clocking one hour, 50minutes and 17 seconds.

Rwanda’s duo of Davite Giancarlo and Olivier Costa finished fourth and fifth after returning times of 01:51:08 and 01:52:49 respectively.

Riyaz is Uganda’s top driver and the rally organisers are to make a decision on the events continuation.

Ends