Kenyan rally ace Jasmeet Chana is gearing up for his fourth shot at the WRC Safari Rally, set for the Easter weekend in March.
Familiarly known as the “Iceman,” Chana is bidding farewell to his long-serving Mitsubishi Evolution X, making the leap to a Rally2 (formerly R5) model just in time for the renowned Safari event.
Reflecting on his Evolution X, Chana remarked, “All good things must eventually conclude. Our triumphant Evolution X is currently seeking a new home. This extraordinary champion embodies the essence of a winner.” While keeping his Safari Rally vehicle choice under wraps, Chana is confident that the Rally2 upgrade will position him to accumulate valuable WRC2 points.
Approaching his fourth WRC Safari attempt with optimism, Chana emphasized the impracticality of competing with Evolution X against the R5s, prompting the switch to something new for a level playing field.
Addressing potential challenges and the learning curve with the new car, Chana acknowledged, “It takes time to master a new car. I’ve driven about four rally cars in my career, including my championship-winning Evolution, and it takes time to get used to them.”
He anticipates that the adaptation to the Rally2 model won’t be perfect in the initial rallies, emphasizing the importance of a measured approach for the WRC Safari, focusing on bringing the car back in one piece and driving strategically.
Expressing his delight about the Easter Safari, Chana noted that it evokes memories of the good old days, offering a chance for many, including school kids, to witness rally cars during the holiday event.
In a unique family dynamic during the Safari, Jasmeet Chana will have his elder brother, Ravi Chana, as the navigator. Reflecting on this sibling collaboration, Chana shared, “While on the stage, you don’t even realize it’s your brother calling the notes, but off the stage, it becomes a family affair. Sometimes, we even joke and argue. But when the dust settles, it’s just fun. He (Ravi) is a great navigator, very experienced. He knows when to push me – a big ‘Asante’ to him; he is part of my championship success.”
