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, one of the toughest events on the global motorsport calendar.
The brothers, who compete under the CRS Racing Team, met fans, media and partners during a series of engagements in Nairobi as preparations for the rally gathered momentum.
The activities began with a corporate cocktail in Nairobi, bringing together stakeholders from the motorsport and business community to celebrate Kenya’s rally heritage and the role local drivers continue to play in the global championship.
Speaking during the event, Olivier Sabrié, Chief Executive Officer for East Africa and Group Managing Director of Rubis Energy Kenya, said the company’s support reflects its commitment to Kenyan talent competing at the highest level. “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. Supporting drivers like Jasmeet and Ravi allows us to celebrate Kenyan excellence while staying connected to the communities we serve,” he said.
The engagement continued with a public rally car viewing and meet-and-greet at the Rubis Sigona service station, where motorists and rally fans had an opportunity to see the CRS Racing rally car and interact with the drivers ahead of the rally.
The Chana brothers, who are champions of the 2023 Kenya National Rally Championship, are among the Kenyan crews looking to make an impression in the Safari Rally, which is widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding events in the WRC due to its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather conditions.
Ayhan Koksal, Vice President – Castrol Middle East, Turkey & Africa, said motorsport continues to play an important role in advancing performance and innovation in the automotive industry. “Safari Rally holds a special place in global motorsport because of the challenge it presents to drivers, teams and machines. 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,” he said.
Safari Rally Kenya remains one of the most anticipated events on the country’s sporting calendar, attracting thousands of fans to Naivasha each year and drawing international attention to Kenya’s motorsport scene.
As the countdown to the rally continues, the Chana brothers say they are focused on preparation and determined to deliver a strong performance on home soil.
