AS Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) continue their preparation to stage a top quality rally as far as this year’s KCB Mountain Gorilla Rally is concerned, things seem to get better by the day.

After a lucrative $50,000 (Frw 27.5m) sponsorship package from title sponsors Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and a further US$35,380 (approx. Frw 19.5m) from Laico Umubano Kigali, RAC have also secured valuable sponsorship from the ministry of sports and culture (Minispoc).

According to RAC president Dismus Kayibanda, the ministry has agreed in principal to provide car carriers to transport rally cars for drivers from Kenya and Uganda.

"Normally, it’s very costly for drivers to transport their wheels but now that the sports ministry has come to their rescue, there should be very little reason for them to miss out,” Kayibanda said.

The ministry’s contribution was confirmed by permanent secretary Jean Pierre Karabaranga. The rally scheduled for September 17-19 is Rwanda’s premier event.

Laico’s package will cover accommodation costs and office premises costs among others.

After receiving the package, Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC) president Dismus Kayibanda said that the club was happy with the hotel’s contribution.

"The package bodes well with our efforts to stage a top quality rally,” he said.

"The hotel will provide accommodation to rally drivers, their co-pilots and officials. It will also serve as the rally headquarters among other added offers,” Kayibanda added.

KCB Rwanda Mountain Gorilla rally is the third and final round of the KCB East Africa Rally Challenge. It is also the final round on the Pirelli driver’s championship; an event for drivers below the age of 25.

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