Two-time national rally champion Ponsiano Lwakataka has moved closer to his planned return to competitive motorsport after the Ruparelia Group of Companies contributed Shs25 million toward the purchase of a new rally car.
Lwakataka is raising Shs220 million to acquire a Volkswagen Proto previously owned by the late rally driver Rajiv Ruparelia. Following the latest contribution, the veteran driver still needs Shs195 million to reach his target.
As part of his fundraising campaign, Lwakataka is scheduled to hold an event at Garuga next month, where he hopes to raise additional funds and officially unveil the rally car.
The experienced driver expressed appreciation to the Ruparelia Group for supporting his comeback and appealed to motorsport enthusiasts 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,” he said.
The Garuga event will also provide an opportunity to celebrate Lwakataka’s 25-year journey in motorsport. As part of the anniversary celebrations, he plans to sell a commemorative magazine chronicling his career. The publication will be available at the entrance for Shs10,000.
Lwakataka has been away from competitive rallying for some time but believes the Volkswagen Proto could provide the performance needed for a successful return to the national championship.
The driver has given the new machine the nickname “Rabbit”, replacing the name of his previous rally car, “Snake.”
According to Lwakataka, his former car presented several handling challenges during competitions, with the front and rear sections sometimes behaving unpredictably.
He believes the new vehicle will offer greater stability and allow him to compete more effectively.
“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,” Lwakataka said.
He further expressed confidence that the new car will respond more predictably on the stages.
“With this one, I believe Rabbit will jump in the same direction,” he added.
The Shs25 million contribution from the Ruparelia Group represents an important boost to Lwakataka’s fundraising campaign. With Shs195 million still required, the veteran rally driver is now looking to fans, sponsors and other supporters to help him complete the purchase and make his return to national-level rallying a reality.