Queen Kalimpinya emerged as the third overall and Best Female Driver at the Huye Rally 2024, showcasing her exceptional driving skills in a field dominated by seasoned competitors. Reflecting on her performance, Kalimpinya described the rally as “intense, tough, and fun,” expressing gratitude towards her family, friends, fans, sponsors, and her co-pilot and team. “This was one of the best rallies so far,” she remarked.
The Huye Rally 2024 saw Jean Claude Gakwaya and Jean Claude Mugabo take the top trophy, while Giancarlo Davite, who triumphed in March’s “Sprint Rally” and currently leads the championship with 35 points, clinched first place on Friday with co-pilot Sandrine Isheja.
Their Mitsubishi Evo10 blazed through the course with an impressive time of 2 minutes and 27 seconds.
The competition featured thirteen drivers tackling a challenging 3k distance, with eight diverse stages spanning the roads of Gisagara, Rango, and Kibirizi.
The rally’s most formidable segment was the Gisagara stage, a 39.08-kilometer stretch that drivers had to navigate twice.
The shortest stage in Kibirizi, at just 7.50 kilometers, served as a brief yet intense warm-up. Adding to the excitement, the event concluded with four-night stages that tested the drivers’ skills under the cover of darkness.
This year’s rally was particularly notable for the increased participation of female drivers, signaling a shift in the traditionally male-dominated sport.
Pioneers like Anita Pendo, Sandrine Isheja, and Queen Kalimpinya are leading the charge in Rwanda’s rapidly growing rally scene. Their involvement not only highlights their driving prowess but also inspires a new generation of female rally enthusiasts.
Kalimpinya’s third-place finish on Sunday is a testament to her talent and determination. Her performance, alongside the achievements of her fellow female drivers, underscores the evolving landscape of rallying in Rwanda, where women are breaking barriers and setting new standards of excellence.
As the rally concluded, participants and spectators alike celebrated the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defined the event. With each race, Rwanda’s rally community continues to grow stronger, driven by the passion and dedication of its drivers.
