Reigning Group N champion Jasmeet Chana has a burning desire to tackle this year’s WRC Safari Rally in a new car.

The former Two Wheel Drive and Group S champion says he harbours ambitions to be a priority driver to score points in the World Rally Championship’s lower tire categories.

 “I am hoping to tackle the WRC Safari in a new machine, but that’s if we manage to sell my current Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. The Safari is always an event you tackle with extra caution,” said Chana, adding: “Being a priority driver means investing in a car that keeps you in the mix with foreign drivers.”

Chama, aka the Iceman, has yet to reveal what car he is going to pilot for the iconic event, but he is optimistic to make his debut in the FIA Pyramid introduced this year.

Meanwhile, Chana has plans to finish the Kenya National Rally Championship season on a high.

Despite finishing the season opening KMSC Rally a distant second behind Ford Fiesta R5’s Karan Patel, Jasmeet says he still possesses an insatiable appetite for success on national series events.

The Iceman salvaged the runner-up slot despite late turbo scares but notes that his good start has only strengthened his ambitious campaign to come back stronger in the remaining rounds the KNRC

“It is always a tall order beating the R5 cars in Group N, not unless you decide to take unnecessary risks. The strategy though is to keep the pressure on for them to make mistakes so that we can gain advantage in the process.

Turbo problem

“The turbo problem is what we are now working on to find out why it’s blowing up time and time again. I am sure we will solve that issue. The season without the big boys is a bit boring but then again we shall get used to it. Change always has repercussions so we shall drive the car to its limit and at the same time be safe.”

Jasmeet is happy to be pairing up with his elder sibling Ravi Chana who is a seasoned navigator in the series.

“Ravi has been fantastic in the car, flawless and indeed amazing. I’m truly glad to have him on my side.”

Asked about preparations for the KNRC 2 event in Nakuru early next month, Jasmeet is excited with what his team of mechanics  has done to the car this far.

‘The car always takes a beating when at that level of racing just so that we don’t take major risks. The Evolution is under construction as we speak and we are doing a forensic diagnosis on why the car blows the turbos and making sure it’s in top shape for the next rally in Nakuru.”