This archive report was first published on 6 July 2021.
Published on July 6, 2021, Jasmeet Singh Chana's recent stellar performance at the WRC Safari Rally Kenya in Naivasha has set the stage for his next challenge in the Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC).
Chana, who received timely KCB Bank sponsorship for the FIA event, finished fourth among Kenyan drivers, securing the coveted National Category title after steering his Group N Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10 to 13th overall position.
Among the locals, Chana, also known as Iceman, finished behind Onkar Rai (7th), Karan Patel (8th), and Carl 'Flash' Tundo (9th) in an event that also counted towards the KNRC.
Seven-time World Champion Sebastien Ogier led his Toyota Gazoo Racing teammate Takamoto Katsuta to an emphatic 1-2 finish, while Hyundai's Ott Tanak completed the podium dash.
Chana expressed his gratitude to KCB Bank for their timely support, stating, 'Winning the National Class in a Safari is a dream come true on my very first WRC event as a driver. I have been associated with previous WRC Safari events as a service crew for Toyota Team Europe (TTE). I have also done a number of ARC Safaris; but tackling the event in its present global status in my capacity as a driver is such a great feeling.'
Chana's victory in the National Category saw him beat Dilraj Chatthe of Kisumu's Team Kibos to second position, while Eric Bengi came third. Onkar, Karan, and Tundo topped the KNRC Class.
Youngster Jeremy Wahome, driving one of the three Ford Fiestas Fiesta ST cars from M-Sport Poland, won the Rally 3 Class in 16th overall position. Wahome is one of the three Kenyan youngsters who drove the Rally 3 Ford contraptions as part of the FIA Rally Star Program.
