Huambo: Sixty drivers will compete this Saturday in the 'Grande Pr©mio Huambo Cidade Vida' (Huambo City Life Grand Prix), in motorsports and motorcycling, as part of the celebrations of the 114th anniversary of the capital city of the province, which will be celebrated on September 21st. The race will take place on a 3.3-kilometer urban circuit, featuring participants from various provinces and international guests from Portugal and Namibia.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the president of the Huambo Provincial Association of Motor Sports, Armando da Costa Guedes, announced that free practice sessions will be held to help drivers familiarize themselves with the track. He urged residents and spectators along the route to behave responsibly to prevent accidents, despite the security measures in place. Traffic blockades have been implemented in key areas to ensure safety.
Motorsports have a rich history in Huambo, dating back to 1973 with significant events like the "Six Hours International Race of Nova Lisboa," which attracted large crowds. For this year's event, the Huambo Administration has improved the circuit's asphalt surface and enforced traffic restrictions to enhance safety. The event is part of Huambo's anniversary celebrations, emphasizing the city's historical value and future aspirations.
Huambo was founded on September 21, 1912, by Jos© Mendes Ribeiro Norton de Matos. The city's name is linked to Wambu Kalunga, a legendary hunter from the Waku-Kungo region. The year of its founding coincided with the opening of a railway line that boosted regional connectivity and economic growth in the area once known as New Lisbon.
