Rwandan and Ugandan rally drivers are gearing up for the forthcoming 2024 Huye Rally, scheduled for June 14-16 in Huye and Gisagara Districts of the Southern Province.
The Huye Rally is organized by Rwanda Automobile Club in honor of the late Jean Claude Gakwaya, who is still celebrated as one of the greatest rally drivers Rwanda has ever produced.
The legendary driver tragically passed away in a motor accident in 1986.
The race promises to be a thrilling showcase of speed, skill, and sportsmanship, bringing together the best of East African rallying talents.
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This race will be the second on the 2024 Rwanda National Rally Championship calendar, after the Sprint Rally held in Rwamagana in March.
Giancarlo Davite currently leads the National Rally Championship with 35 points. He is also the only Rwandan who is at the level of playing in the African Championship (ARC) because thanks to his Mitsubishi Evo10 car which meets the ARC standards.
This year's race is expected to feature Ugandan cars including the Subaru Impreza N12 driven by Joshua Muwanguzi and co-pilot Hamza Lwanga, Mitsubishi Evo9 of Moustapha Mukasa and Lawrence Mwambazi as well as Gilberto Balondemu's Toyota Runx.
Local Rwandan crews expected to participate include well-known drivers such as Giancarlo Davite, Rwanda’s only female rally driver Queen Kalimpinya, Christian Kanangire, Kevin Mujiji, and Jean Claude Gakwaya, who will be driving his Subaru Impreza N10 while Mike Rutuku will be competing in his Subaru Impreza GC8.
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The Huye Rally not only highlights the competitive spirit of the sport but also serves as a significant cultural event for the region. The inclusion of a night stage is expected to add an extra layer of excitement and challenge for the drivers.
This innovative addition aims to test the drivers’ skills and adaptability under different conditions, making the rally more engaging for both participants and spectators.
Huye Rally 2023 was won by Ugandan Mwami Muzamiru and his co-pilot Abud Karim Kakooza who were driving Subaru Impreza. Queen Kalimpinya and co-pilot Olivier Ngabo finished third in their Subaru Impreza