Zambian couple eyes African rally championship

Zambian navigator Urshlla Gomes says there is nothing more fulfilling than racing with her husband Leroy Gomes as they target to win their first Africa Rally Championship.

The couple is leading the Africa rally standings and need to finish not less than ninth in the last race this weekend on home soil to win the championship.

The pair are two-time former Zambian champions and come from a motor rallying family.

“There’s such a high level of trust that comes being in the vehicle with him. He understands my comfort levels and I understand how far to push him in the car," Urshlla told the BBC.

Rallying together had reduced conflicts between them as they have become almost telepathic, she said.

Urshlla previously turned down requests to navigate other drivers because of the bond she developed with her husband, she said.

Leroy termed racing with his wife an honour and privilege.

“I wouldn’t ask anyone else to be in the same car with me other than my wife especially what we could achieve at this rally. I wouldn’t want to share that moment with anyone else,” Leroy told the BBC.

The couple will be competing with 25 other drivers for the continental crown.

Their 13-year-old son, Seth Gomes, will be competing in the Zambia Motor Sport Association junior championship - meant for drivers below the age of 16.

He will be navigated by his uncle Riyaz Latiff - who is Urshlla’s brother.

This article originally appeared in BBC News

Photo: Kennedy Gondwe / BBC