All that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X ace driver needs to get his mitts on the coveted title on the weekend of October 7-8 during the Kenya Motor Sport Club (KMSC) round is to finish fifth; where at the very least,17points will hand him the unassailable points score with two events to spare.
Iceman lost the coveted KNRC title to Karan Patel on homestretch last year and is one of the few drivers in Kenya to win virtually all the lower tire championship titles including Division Three, Division One, Two Wheel Drive (2WD), Group S and Group N which he currently holds.
The elite KNRC overall title is, nevertheless, what has been missing from his bucket list but the Nairobi based auto technician hopes to ruffle feathers in Bisil with his trusted Japanese marque.
The Rubis Energy Kenya Ltd sponsored driver went into last year’s season closer at the expansive Mwatate’s Teita Sisal Estate with a 9-point advantage over Karan only for the title to slip through his grasps at the eleventh hour, much to his chagrin.
Chana has vivid memories for his club event where he chalked up his maiden career podium in 2014 during the KCB KMSC Machakos Rally 2014 incidentally on his very first year teaming up with his elder sibling Ravinder Chana.
“KMSC Rally is going to be an exciting run for us because of the technical nature of Bisil stages. But it will be important to seal the deal in Bisil in order to end the 2023 season on a high. The KNRC overall title is the only thing remaining on our wish list,” said Iceman.
Chana goes into the seventh leg with a massive 84-point advantage over youngster Jeremiah Wahome who has 87 points after six rounds.
Chana and Wahome have two wins apiece whilst Carl Tundo and Karan Patel have one each.
If Iceman finishes fifth in the next leg, then he will have sealed the title with 188points which neither Wahome (whose achievable maximum is 186) or third placed McRae Kimathi can surpass.
Iceman has already attained the 50% threshold for championship eligibility and awaits major celebrations next month if all goes well.
And after many years with the Evolution X contraption, this may be to be Iceman’s best outing in his already colourful motorsport career.
“So, I hope that we can find a good feeling on the roads and finish the season and our partnership with my brother Ravi on a high note.”
According to Clerk for the Course John Kamau, scrutineering shall take place at KMSC Clubhouse in South C on October 7 followed by action on the October 8.
Kamau announced that the route in Bisel is more or less the same as what was used last year.
After Bisil, drivers will tackle the iconic Guru Nanak Rally in Kiambu on November 4-5 and the new Kenya Racing Team round on December 2-3 at Stoni Athi.
KNRC STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 6-MOMBASA
1. Jasmeet Chana 171
2 Jeremiah Wahome 87
3 McRae Kimathi 79
4 Kush Patel 66
5 Nikhil Sachania 44
5= Izhar Mirza 44
7 Carl Tundo 39
8 Karan Patel 34
9 Amman Shah 33
10 Hamza Anwar 26
