Watch the interview with Simona Bonazzi and Tiffany Mengers as they talk about their upcoming adventure in the all-female off-road Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles in Morocco. No phones, no GPS and sleeping in the desert – all in the name of charity.
Monaco residents Simona Bonazzi, an artist, Tiffany Mengers, a realtor, met two years ago and instantly became fast friends. At a dinner party one night, Tiffany told Simona how she had long wanted to participate in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, but couldn’t find a co-pilot. She asked Simona if she would want to team up for the April 2024 race and they shook on it.
Shortly after, a wide-eyed Simona started watching YouTube videos about the all-female 4×4 off-road rally that takes place in the desert in southern Morocco over nine days of competition. She had no idea what she was getting herself into – there is no GPS, no phones – but would not go back on her word.
Now the two are getting ready to go to Morocco to test drive on the terrain and work on their navigation and orientation skills. The goal is to use maps to drive the shortest possible distance in the shortest time to reach a series of predefined checkpoints without speed. This can mean driving around a mountain or crossing over it or driving through the dunes or avoiding them altogether.
They will do a second week of training again in Morocco before the official departure date of April 13. For the first time since the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles launched in 1990, it is starting from Fontvieille in Monaco..
As Team SiTi RAG24 (Simona/Tiffany/Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles/2024) Simona (left) and Tiffany (right) want “to promote values that are close to their hearts, such as solidarity, surpassing oneself and social commitment.”
The “Gazelles” have chosen to participate in the rally to actively support Child CARE Monaco, the association founded by Martine Ackermann, that works to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged children by providing access to education, health and other essential needs.
The dynamic duo kicked off their fundraising efforts on January 18 with a cocktail and tombola at G&M Design Gallery, where Simona’s art photography was on display.
They will be setting up a GoFundMe page, and will share the link on Instagram.
Created in 1990, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc is committed to women (“our participants inspire others and have a strong positive impact”); committed to the environment (“the only motorsport event in the world with ISO 14001 environmental certification”); and committed to social action (“We are proud to be actively involved in promoting solidarity by carrying out positive social actions in France and in Morocco.”). Participants range in ages from 18 to 71.
You can visit Simona’s art photography exhibit at G&M Design Gallery at 11 avenue Princesse Grace, until Monday, January 22.
Article first published January 18, 2024.