Mt. Gorilla Rally receives KCB boost

THIS year’s Mountain Gorilla Rally has received a huge sponsorship boost worth $50,000 (about Frw30.2 million) from Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), according to Rwanda Motorsport Federation.Rwanda’s premier rally event, which is also round seven on the 2012 FIA ARC calendar, is set for September 21-23.Rwanda Motorsport Federation chairman Christian Gakwaya appreciated KCB for their continuous support towards the development of the sport in the country.“Our budget is estimated at Rwf135 million and with KCB’s input, we are positive on the side of sponsorship because the remaining balance will be secured from other reliable sponsors. We’re looking forward to a successful event,” Gakwaya told Times Sport yesterday.Other partners on board include; Engen Petroleum, Umubano Hotel, Phoenix Insurance, SN Brussels, RwandAir and Iway Africa.Drivers who have so far confirmed their participation include; Rwanda’s Fitidis Christakis, Davite Giancarlo, Claude Kwizera and Cyatangabo, Uganda’s Jas Mangat, Nasser Mutebi and Ponsiano Lwakataka, and Kenya’s Raju.According to Gakwaya, eight cars are expected from Uganda, two from Kenya and ten from hosts Rwanda ahead of the closing date for registration due this Saturday, September 15.Zambia’s youthful driver Mohammed Essa, who landed his maiden Africa Rally Championship (ARC) title after winning the Puma Energy Tanzania International Rally early this month, is likely to skip the Mt. Gorilla Rally to compete in the final round of the Madagascar rally set for November 16-18. Jean Yves Ranarivelo of Madagascar beat Davite Giancarlo to win last year’s Mt. Gorilla Rally. Burundi’s Valery Bukera claimed the final podium slot.Davite is ranked second on the African rally championship standings with 55 points. Essa has accumulated 115 points.

Sports

Mt. Gorilla Rally receives KCB boost