Sandrine Isheja, a well-known Rwandan media personality, never imagined becoming a rally driver until she was inspired by Queen Kalimpinya and current rally driver Fabrice Yoto.
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The Kiss FM presenter made history on Saturday, March 30, becoming only the second Rwandan woman to participate in a motorsport event, supporting Yoto in the &039;Sprint Rally' held in Rwamagana District as his co-pilot.
Her debut wasn't in a competitive role but as the lead car, setting the pace for the racing cars, known as the 'Zero car'.
Isheja exclusively caught up with Times Sport where she shared here her experience on her debut rally performance and her aspirations about the sport in the future.
How was your first rally experience?
It was incredible! The thrill, speed, and adrenaline were amazing! I gained a new appreciation for the sport's intensity and the exceptional focus and precision required from both the pilot and co-pilot.
What drove you to venture into Motorsport?
My best friend once told me that I was ‘more’ than I gave myself credit for. Growing up, society made us believe that becoming a wife and a mother meant the end of our dreams and curiosity.
But as I've grown, I've realised how lucky I am to live in a country where there are no limits for women, where we are free to dream and pursue whatever we desire.
The question is not why a woman, or a mother would venture into motorsport, but why not?
Did Kalimpinya inspire you to give motorsport a shot? If you got a chance to discuss this sport, what did she tell you?
Absolutely. Kalimpinya was the one who sparked my interest in motorsport.
Before her, I didn't really pay much attention to rally racing because it was such a male-dominated sport.
I didn't feel like I belonged. But she changed that and opened the doors for other women like me.
She always mentioned how exciting the sport is and she invites every woman she meets to try it out.
Who interested you to join the sport?
My friend Yoto (Fabrice), who is a pilot, played a big part. We were discussing the upcoming year in rally, and he was unsure if his new co-pilot would have enough time for training.
I jokingly asked if I could take his place if it didn't work out and, to my surprise, Yoto took my proposal seriously and encouraged me to join.
How did your husband react when you told him you were joining the sport?
My husband has always been my number one supporter. Of course, he was initially a bit worried, but he said, "If it's something you really want to do, then go for it. You have my support." And he proved it by cheering me on at my first rally in Musha.
As you dive into the world of rally, what are your aspirations?
Kalimpinya was a trailblazer who opened the door to motorsport for women.
I want to continue her legacy by widening the door and welcoming more women into the sport.