Lisa Christoffersen, the founder of the Lioness Rally, has her sights set on a podium finish on her debut in the upcoming WRC Safari rally slated for March 28-31.
The Lioness Rally is Africa's first all-female rally which was founded in 2022.
The 60-year-old who will be driving a Subaru N10 said a podium finish would in turn prove to be motivational for young female drivers looking to take up rallying.
“My goal for the rally is to celebrate on the podium. That accomplishment will not be just for myself but for all the women and girls who dare to dream," she stated.
She further went on to state that this year’s edition of the rally will have the largest number of female drivers
"This year’s rally will be one of the most exciting Safari Rallies, especially because it will have one of the largest numbers of female drivers and navigators,” she noted.
Her preparations for the rally have involved fundraising and getting her car ready.
“I’ll be driving a Subaru N10 in this WRC Safari rally. My preparations are going on well. I am currently making sure I have all my equipment and rally gear and that it is updated,” she stated.
For Lisa, getting involved in a male-dominated sport like rallying is about women empowering women.
"By taking charge of your life, you are steering in the direction, metaphorically, where you are supposed to be going," she emphasises. “If you can survive as a rally driver in an event like Safari Rally, you can survive anywhere.”
In 2022, Maxine Wahome made history as the first Kenyan female to win a WRC support round driving a Ford Fiesta Rally 3 with co-driver Murage Waigwa.
Lisa, a cancer survivor, also added that her aim was not only to compete at the highest level but also to use her participation as an opportunity to give back and inspire others.
She stated that she would donate Sh1.2 million to children living with cancer at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
“This year’s theme is driving for change. As a cancer survivor myself, I want to support the children living with cancer at Kenyatta Hospital.
For every kilometre I drive, I will donate Sh1,000. The rally covers 1,200km, and the total amount will be at least Sh1.2 million. It's my way of giving back and making a difference in the lives of those in need," she said.
