Zambian rally drivers Leroy and Urshilla Gomes have transformed their marriage into a motorsport partnership that has spanned nearly a decade, with their collaboration dating back to 2015. The couple, who competed in the 2022 ARC Equator Rally Kenya, described their dynamic as both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
Gomes recounted how his wife initially entered the sport as a last-minute co-driver during a 2015 event. "I had to persuade her to take on the role, but after giving it a try, she fell in love with rallying," he said. Their partnership has since yielded multiple international victories, including the 2020 Vivo Energy Rally in Zambia and the Bandama Rallye in Ivory Coast.
The duo currently leads the African Rally Championships (ARC) with 30 points following their performance in the Naivasha leg of the series. Gomes acknowledged the challenges of building their partnership, noting it took three years to secure their first motorsport victory. "Every rally feels like a honeymoon," he said, describing their races as both competitive and enjoyable.
Reflecting on Kenya's rallying scene, Gomes praised local drivers for their adaptability to challenging conditions. "Kenyan drivers excel due to the diverse terrain, which hones their skills," he observed. The couple plans to compete in the WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha this June, marking their debut in the prestigious event.
Gomes also expressed admiration for fellow competitor Manvir Baryan, who won the 2017 ARC leg in Kenya. "Manvir is a remarkable driver, and I hope he returns to the sport," he said.
