Khan returns to KCB Safari Rally

Former Classic Car Cup navigators’ champion Farhaaz Khan. [PHOTO:COURTESY]

Former Classic Car Cup navigators’ champion Farhaaz Khan ‘Fazzy” has announced his comeback ahead of the 62nd KCB Safari Rally 2014 slated for September 12-14.

Farhaaz last drove in the KCB Kenya National Rally Championship (KNRC) during the season closing rally in Kilifi last year.

But Farhaaz navigated his uncle Aslam Khan to a credible second in the Classic Car Cup during the recent KCB Eldama Ravine rally in a Porsche 911.

He returns to the wheel of the same old Subaru Impreza he rolled last year in Kajiado during the 61st Safari Rally.

“Safari is an event any driver looks forward to. Preparations for the car have started in earnest and I am really eager to dust off the cobwebs in the world’s toughest rally. It will be fantastic fun in the Safari considering that top drivers from Africa will be coming. I also hope to give Subaru a good position considering that the EVOs have dominated the series,” said Farhaaz yesterday.

Farhaaz said he will be naming his Safari navigator in due course.

“Expectations are really high and only the sky’s the limit,” added Farhaaz.

Farhaaz has navigated legendary Aslam Khan on many occasions including the 2008 season when they won the Classic Cup. He has also done the same in the biennial East African Safari Classic Rally.

“Safari Rally is a challenge in itself and finishing the rally is one of the best things for rally drivers. We are going for better results, all we hope for is that our vehicle remains in good shape prior and during the rallying,” said Farhaaz.

Farhaaz won the classic category in 2008 during his first attempt and partnered with Keith Henrie in the 2012 KCB Safari Rally.

Current African Rally Championship (ARC) leader Gary Chaynes from Ivory Coast is among top drivers expected for the KCB Safari Rally.

The Abidjan based driver, who finished second at the weekend’s Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally, is eager to make his Safari debut in a Mitsubishi EVOX.

Also coming for the Safari is 2012 ARC champion and Zambian speed merchant Essa Mohammed.

Mohammed will be navigated by Gareth Dawe of Zimbabwe while Chaynes is teaming up with Romain Comas de Miranda.