The Zambia Motorsport Association (ZMSA) has added the Chipata Rally to the 2018 calendar, following Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s interest in the racing game.

ZMSA president Sam Chinga’mbu said in an interview yesterday that the enthusiasm shown by rally fans in Eastern Province has prompted the association to try a new route this season.

Ching’ambu said the Chipata Rally will come with its own challenges but that the support and enthusiasm shown by the Easterners will make it possible for ZMSA to hold the event.

“We want to take one rally outside Lusaka this season. Chipata is one of the new areas we want to take the rally to. It will be a completely new area which will have a lot challenges but motorsport is all about risk taking. With the support we have so far, we will manage,” he said.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni has been an ardent fan of motorsport and was part of the spectators for the 2017 National Rally Championship final leg at Barn Motel in Chongwe.

Ching’ambu described the 2017 season as successful saying all the events on the calendar were successfully held.

“It was a great year. Sponsorship, entries and general membership were great. The Zambia International Rally was one of the well-organized African Rally Championship events. The ARC champion (Manvir Baryan) from Kenya was crowned in Zambia and we had four foreign drivers taking part. We hope for a much better season this year,” he said.

Muna Singh junior is the defending national rally champion.