Chana targeting maximum KNRC points at next month's WRC Safari

Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) Premier Class driver Jasmeet 'Iceman' Chana aka has exuded confidence in the run-up to next month’s World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally as he embarks on his final phase of preparation. 

The multiple KNRC category champion expects a trouble-free run given the preparations ongoing at the CRS Racing Workshop in Nairobi’s Parklands.

"It's been really hectic. We will soon begin to put the final touches on our preparations. We are doing our best to be ready and do a good job at the Safari." 

Chana says he will concentrate on having a good recce so that his pace notes are as good as they can get. This will be his first WRC Safari as a driver. He has previously participated in global editions of the event as a service crew member for Toyota Team Europe (TTE). Since the ARC Equator Rally in April, Chana has been working to ensure his car is compliant with the FIA specifications.

"We have had an FIA approved FT3 fuel tank fitted in our boot. Basically, the car is a Group N, which is compliant with FIA specifications. We should be good to go in a few days before testing.”

"It's just a matter of rebuilding the engine and gearbox. We have had a thorough going-over of all components to make sure everything is working perfectly well. We intend to run our first Safari test in due course." 

“But when it comes to the actual condition of the stages, Safari will depend a lot more on the weather, so we will be watching that for sure. Our approach for the Equator was to go flat-out. but due to the wet conditions, it became a survival game. You must have seen the number of dropouts we had in Naivasha! So we decided to take it easy and make sure we finish. During Safari, we are looking at the national championship as well,” said the Jaguar Petroleum sponsored driver.

Chana’s debut rally was the ICC Safari Rally in 2007 when he drove a VW Golf GTI in Two Wheel Drive and finished third in class. He also won the 2WD Championship twice in 2007 and 2009.

He has won various championships in the Toyota Celica including the KNRC Division 3,2 and 1. He later moved to the Evo 9 which he won his division and 3rd overall in the championship. Chana later upgraded to his current Mitsubishi Evolution 10.