Kenyan rally drivers Jasmeet and Ravi Chana have received renewed backing from energy and lubricants companies Rubis Energy Kenya and Castrol ahead of this year’s World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, solidifying their campaign for one of the toughest events on the global motorsport calendar.
The brothers, who compete under the CRS Racing Team banner, met with fans, media, and partners during a series of pre-rally engagements in Nairobi, as anticipation for the iconic event continues to build.
The activities commenced with a corporate cocktail in Nairobi, uniting stakeholders from the motorsport and business communities to celebrate Kenya’s rich rally heritage and highlight the role of local drivers on the world stage.
Speaking during the event, Olivier Sabrié, Chief Executive Officer for East Africa and Group Managing Director of Rubis Energy Kenya, emphasized that the company’s support is a testament to its commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
“The Safari Rally is more than a race; it is part of Kenya’s sporting identity and one of the most demanding events in global motorsport,” Sabrié said.
Supporting drivers like Jasmeet and Ravi allows us to celebrate Kenyan excellence while staying connected to the communities we serve.
The engagement continued with a public rally car viewing and meet-and-greet at the Rubis Sigona service station, where motorsport enthusiasts and motorists had a firsthand look at the CRS Racing rally car and interacted with the drivers.
As reigning champions of the 2023 Kenya National Rally Championship, the Chana brothers are among the prominent Kenyan crews aiming to make a significant impact in the Safari Rally.
The event is widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding in the WRC due to its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
The rally’s reputation for pushing both man and machine to their limits was a key factor for the sponsors. Ayhan Koksal, Vice President for Castrol Middle East, Turkey & Africa, noted that motorsport remains a crucial arena for advancing performance and innovation in the automotive industry.
“The Safari Rally holds a special place in global motorsport because of the immense challenge it presents to drivers, teams, and machines,” Koksal stated. “We are proud to partner with Rubis Energy Kenya in supporting talented Kenyan drivers like Jasmeet and Ravi as they compete on this iconic stage.”
The Safari Rally Kenya remains a cornerstone of the country’s sporting calendar, attracting thousands of fans to Naivasha annually and drawing significant international attention to Kenya’s burgeoning motorsport scene.
With the rally fast approaching, the Chana brothers affirmed their focus, stating they are deep in preparation and determined to deliver a strong performance on home soil.
