Muna Singh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Muna Singh Sr.(Herminder Singh Bhandhair , 8 March 1970 – 13 April 2023) was a Zambian rally driver who was a two time African rally Champion in 2004 and 2005. He was also a 4 time Zambia National Champion in 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2010.
8 March 1970
| Muna Singh Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Zambian |
| Born | Herminder Singh Bhandair 8 March 1970 Tanzania |
| Died | 13 April 2023 (aged 53) India |
| Relatives | Satwant Singh |
| Debut season | 1987 |
| Years active | 1987–2019 |
| Teams | Dirtstar Racing Team Zambia |
| Co-driver | David Sihoka |
| Championships | Africa Rally Championship |
| Wins | 2017 Skyview Barn Rally 2017 Meanwood Monze Rally |
| Podiums | 2003 Africa Rally Champion 2004 Africa Rally Champion |
Background and education
Singh was born to Guru Singh, a rally driver, in Tanzania on 8 March 1970 and his family moved to Zambia in 1973.[1] According to a 2019 interview, Singh attended Northmead Primary School as well as Jacaranda Primary School in Lusaka.[1] He then attended Kabulonga Boys High School and Lake Road PTA School for his secondary education.[1]
Career
Motorsport
Racing in a Datsun 1200, Singh started competitive racing in the 1987 Zambia International Rally and finished 8th overall.[2] He raced competitively locally and on the continent through the years and was a 4 time Zambia National Champion in 2001,2007,2009 and 2010.[3]
Administration
After retiring from active racing, Singh was elected as the head of the FIA African Region replacing Surinder Thatti.[4] He also served as the chairperson for the Confederation of African Countries in Motorsport[5].He was an FIA Observer for a number of Africa Rally Championship events such as the 2014 KCB Safari Rally, the 2014 Pearl of Africa Rally.[6][7] He was also a member of the International Automobile Federation Rallies Commission.[8]
Business
Having worked with his father, in 1988, Singh started managing a motor workshop that had been started by his father.[1]
Awards and accolades
Together with his navigator/co-driver, David Sihoka, Singh was the African Rally Champion twice in 2004 and 2005.[9]
Personal life
Having developed liver cirrhosis, Singh had a liver transplant in January 2023.[4] He later developed a heart infection to which he succumbed to in April 2023.[4]
Singh was married to Natalie Singh and together they had 5 children including Jasmeen Ticklay Singh, Muna Singh Junior as well as Jassy Singh, the 2012 Zambia National Champion.[2] Singh was also the nephew of Satwant Singh an 8 time Africa Rally Champion[2]
Singh was also a born again Christian since 2007[10]