Though rally racing remains a niche sport in Rwanda, globally it's known as one of the most demanding and dangerous disciplines in motorsport. Competed on rugged dirt tracks, rally stages often feature sharp turns, deep potholes, slippery surfaces, and narrow pathsâ€"conditions that test both the machine and the driver.
Racers are often required to maintain speeds exceeding 100 km/h in these unpredictable environments. As a result, the fatality rate in rally racing is considerably higher than in standard circuit racing, with statistics showing 5.7 deaths per 1,000 drivers in rally, compared to just 0.4 per 1,000 on paved tracks.
This is not a sport for the timidâ€"or the underfunded. Rally cars are costly, and preparing one for competition involves steep expenses in maintenance, spare parts, and safety equipment.
Yet Queen Kalimpinya has carved her space in this high-risk, high-adrenaline world. She is among the very few women rally drivers on the African continent and continues to turn heads both for her performance and her fearless attitude.
From pageants to podiums
Kalimpinya first gained public recognition as a finalist in Miss Rwanda 2017, where she placed as Second Runner-up. But it's her transition from beauty queen to rally queen that's inspired a new generation of Rwandan girls.
In a recent interview with IGIHE, she recalled her early fascination with speed and vehicles.
'I grew up loving activities like cycling, things that were seen as 'for boys',' she said. 'As I got older, I bought a motorbike and used it for everyday transport. That's how people in the motorsport community first noticed me.'
Initially unfamiliar with rally racing, Kalimpinya accepted an invitation to try it out and was instantly hooked.
'They asked me to try, and I said, 'I'm not afraid.' The more I trained, the more I loved it. I started as a co-driver and eventually moved into the driver's seat.'
After two years as a navigator, Kalimpinya took on the lead role. She credits her passion and determination as key to her progress.
Behind the wheel and beyond
Kalimpinya approaches rally preparation with the mindset of a professional athlete. Once one event ends, she begins prepping for the next, usually held within one to three months.
'After every race, I immediately start preparing for the next one,' she explained. 'This includes both the car and myself, without disrupting my daily work.'
Her fitness routine plays a crucial role. Kalimpinya trains under coach Liberté, who focuses on cardio and core strength.
'Rally drivers need excellent cardiovascular fitness,' he said. 'They must run, use machines to build endurance, and train the arms, legs, core, and back. Hydration and rest, 7 to 9 hours of sleep, are just as important.'
A sport that demands and inspires
In March 2023, Kalimpinya made history as the first Rwandan woman to lead the National Rally Championship since Belgian driver Nathalie Cox did so in 2000.
While her career is marked by milestones, she acknowledges the financial demands of the sport.
'It's an exciting sport that teaches you so much about vehicles,' she said. 'But it requires funding, sponsors and partners. Hopefully, that will improve in the coming years.'
'Right now, I often rely on YouTube videos to learn. If we had professional coaching and better cars, we could compete at the highest levels. The car I share with Ngabo [her co-driver] is outmatched by others on the track. A new car would make a huge difference.'
When Lewis Hamilton took notice
One of the most memorable moments in Kalimpinya's journey came when Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, shared a photo of her on his Instagram account.
'It was just after a tough race, at a time when I was thinking of quitting,' she revealed. 'Balancing motorsport with work had become overwhelming, and I wasn't seeing the results I hoped for. Then, he shared my photo. I hadn't even told anyone I was struggling. It felt like a sign that I should keep going.'
The post renewed her motivation and served as a powerful reminder that perseverance pays off.
Trust and teamwork
Kalimpinya races alongside Ngabo Olivier, her co-driver, who praised her rapid growth and dedication.
'From the beginning, she learned fast. She makes few mistakes now and drives like a seasoned pro,' he said. 'She has the harder jobâ€"my life is in her hands. I just read the pace notes and time sections. She has to deliver.'
Though she hasn't been involved in any major accidents, Kalimpinya has had her share of close calls.
'Once, I missed a corner and the car veered into bushesâ€"I lost visibility and control,' she recalled. 'Another time, I hit a tree. There was also a near-collision with a dog in Huye. I had to decide whether to hit it or stop and risk crashing. My co-driver urged me to hit it, but luckily it ran away just in time.'
Training the next generation
Together with Garage ATECAR, Kalimpinya has launched Team Queen Academy, a program to train young aspiring drivers aged 16â€"18.
'We're thinking about who we'll leave the sport to,' she said. 'We want to start with mechanical training, and once they're eligible to drive, teach them competitive racing.'
In the most recent Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, Kalimpinya finished fifth overall, cementing her place as one of Rwanda's most exciting motorsport talents and a role model on and off the track.
IGIHE
