Codriver to: Kuku Ranjit
Car: Mitsubishi Evo9
Team: Simba Rally Team
Pearl Rally Appearances: 2017 (14th), 2018 (Retired), 2019 (Retired), 2022 (16th)
Background: Siraj Kyambade is the calm in the storm, the voice of reason in the high-octane chaos of rally driving. With a career spanning multiple drivers and countless rally stages, Siraj has seen it all, from roaring victories to crushing retirements. This year, he’s back in the codriver’s seat for the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2024, and he’s bringing his trademark wisdom and cool demeanour along for the ride.
Partnership with Kuku Ranjit:
This year, Kyambade teams up with Kuku Ranjit, a driver known for his fearless approach to every stage. Ranjit’s a man who believes that the brake pedal is more of a suggestion, while Kyambade is the steady voice that keeps him from turning every corner into a drift competition. Together, they make an unlikely but effective pair, balancing wild ambition with strategic precision.
The Car:
The Mitsubishi Evo9 they’re driving is a beast in its own right. It’s got power, speed, and enough torque to pull a freight train uphill. In the hands of Ranjit, this car is like a rocket on wheels. With Kyambade calling the shots, it’s also got a reliable guidance system. If they can keep the wheels on the ground, this duo has the potential to leave a mark on the 2024 rally scene.
Past Rally Performances: Kyambade’s history with the Pearl Rally is a mixed bag. In 2017, he finished 14th, but 2018 and 2019 ended in retirements. Last year, he managed to claw his way to 16th place with Kaka Jr. These ups and downs have given him a unique perspective on the sport: sometimes you win, and sometimes you end up in a ditch. The key is to keep going, preferably in a forward direction.
Expect the Unexpected: While Kyambade is known for his steady demeanor, his partnership with Ranjit means that anything could happen. Ranjit is notorious for pushing the limits, and Kyambade’s calm voice is often the only thing standing between them and an impromptu off-road excursion. If you hear Kyambade on the radio saying, “Maybe we should slow down a bit,” you know something’s about to go down.
Final Thoughts: Siraj Kyambade may not be the flashiest codriver in the rally, but he’s one of the most reliable. He’s the guy who brings a toolkit to a dinner party, just in case. This year, with Kuku Ranjit behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi Evo9, Kyambade is set to make his presence felt in the Pearl of Africa Uganda Rally 2024. Get ready for a combination of heart-stopping speed and deadpan advice as this duo takes on the ARC2 category. Just remember: if Kyambade says “brace yourself,” hold on tight it’s going to be a wild ride.
