[Exclusive Interview] Rally Driver Frank Verhoestraete: Committed to the Environment and Road Safety

: From Congo’s Rallying Scene to the Dakar Rally

By BBC Sport Africa

In a delightful surprise for motorsport fans, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to an emerging rallying scene, and it even boasts its own championship. The leader of this championship, Frank Verhoestraete, is a 35-year-old rider with a passion for motorsport that has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious races. Verhoestraete, who grew up riding motorcycles in Zaire (now the DRC), is gearing up to represent his country in the prestigious Dakar Rally in South America, making him the only Congolese competitor among hundreds of participants from around the globe.

A Growing Rally Scene in the DRC

The DRC’s rallying scene is still in its infancy but has gained traction over recent years. According to Verhoestraete, the local championship consists of five races, with between 8 to 12 cars participating. The competition features off-road vehicles, including buggies and all-terrain models like Pajeros and Patrols. While some may argue that it’s not “traditional” rallying, Verhoestraete describes it as more akin to Baja-style racing than the WRC. “Given the condition of the tracks here, a WRC car just wouldn’t survive,” he explains.

Despite its nascent stage, the rallying scene in the DRC provides a platform for local talent and is gradually becoming a source of pride for the motorsport community in the country.

A Dakar Veteran

Verhoestraete is no stranger to international motorsport, having participated in the Dakar Rally three times, one of the toughest and most grueling races in the world. In 2010, riding a KTM, he finished 19th overall — still his best result. “It remains my best memory,” he says, remembering his 11th-place finish in the final stage of that year’s rally. He also raced in 2011 with an Aprilia, finishing 27th, and in 2013, when mechanical issues caused him to slip to 102nd place. Yet, despite the setbacks, the Dakar remains an unforgettable experience. “The Dakar is always a fantastic experience,” he affirms.

Aiming for a Greener Future and Promoting Road Safety

Verhoestraete’s ambition to return to the Dakar in 2015 comes with an environmentally conscious goal. As part of his participation, he is working on a project to plant 10 hectares of forest to offset his CO2 emissions. With the help of fans and nature enthusiasts, trees are being sold for $10 each, to be planted in Bakete, a region near Kinshasa. Alongside this, Verhoestraete is involved in a road safety initiative for motorcycle taxi drivers in the DRC. Through short sketches on radio and television, the project aims to raise awareness about traffic safety and proper driving habits.

Local Rallies and African Aspirations

While Verhoestraete has mainly focused on the motorsport scene in the DRC, he has also participated in rallies outside the country. He has competed in Congo Brazzaville, Uganda, Kenya, and Zambia, where he finished third in the African Championship in August. However, his passion for motorcycles still outweighs his involvement in car rallying, although he has not ruled out future participation in African rally events, including in neighboring Burundi or Rwanda.

With his sights firmly set on Dakar once again, Verhoestraete remains a pioneering figure in Congolese motorsport, pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation of drivers and riders in the DRC and across Africa.