As Zambia celebrates its 36^th Independence anniversary, the farming town of Monze will host the 2000 Zambia Motor Sports Association (ZMSA) BP Challenge Monze Independence Rally.  The rally, which attracts entries from the big boys, will run from 21^st to 22^nd October.

The BP Challenge comes after the Castle Rally won by Muna Singh of Lusaka and will also attract large crowds.  A visitor to Monze would be forgiven for thinking that a king was being enthroned when seeing the many spectators who jostle for a better view, in order to catch a glimpse of the top drivers.  The whole town literally comes to a standstill during the annual championship as the cars shoot past their homes.  For the residents of this small town, south of Mazabuka, the BP Challenge is their biggest sporting event.

Organised by the ZMSA in conjunction with the Monze Gold Club, it is sponsored by Lonrho Motors Zambia Ltd.  Guru Singh is the Clerk of the Course and the Tonga Bull, Praful Desai is the Chairman of the rally.  Praful navigated for Ken Mukosa. The young driver, who charmed spectators with his locally assembled Landrover in the 2000 Castrol Spectra Rally.  Local journalists covering the rally named Mukosa’s Landrover From The Archives.  Guru Singh has been involved in rallying since 1969 when Mike Bond and Tim Madrell won the first-ever championship.

For the people of Monze, the BP Challenge will be a sports extravaganza not to be missed.  It will be an opportunity for them to see some of the giants and upcoming drivers in rallying.

by Moses Walubita