Samani puts final touches: Veteran driver to take advantage of new rules

Classic Rally Rajesh Maini's Ford Escort Mark 1 preparations at his Nairobi workshop. [Courtesy]

Veteran driver to take advantage of new rules

“Kaka” is keen on a good show in the KQ Safari Classic event.

Samani Rally Team veteran Dinesh Sachania believes the “new power steering rule” will propel him to desirable heights during the Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic Rally next month.

“Kaka”, as he is fondly referred to in Kenyan rallying circles, had the guts to maintain in a recent interview that with the help of his experienced co-driver Feisal Khan and the power steering, he has what it takes to steer his Datsun 180B to the top 15

Sachania added that other changes made since 2015 will play a big role in the nine-day extravaganza.

This year’s Safari Classic Rally includes a few but significant changes to the race regulations, key among them the use of power steering, which is now permitted on grounds of comfort and safety.

The cut-off age for cars in competition has been stretched to 1985.

“We have installed new and more durable fuel pumps. We are also installing new power steering to make our driving easier and more enjoyable," said Sachania. 

"We are planning to finish at least in the top 15, but not without savouring the gruelling drive on historic terrain.

"Since our last classic, the Datsun has undergone a full rebuild. Faiyo (Khan) is such an experienced navigator and was part of our team during the last Safari Classic Rally," he added.

"Being Tinu Khan’s nephew, I have full confidence in him. He is levelheaded whenever he gets down to serious business in the cockpit.”

Asked about vivid moments he can recall from his maiden Safari Classic in 2015, Sachania said: “The rain during the event and driving through muddy sections of the route course was immense fun. We got bogged down a few times but that’s part of the adventure in this game.”

So, what makes him want to return to the Safari Classic Rally every year?

“It is fantastic fun. Just to meet new people from around the world who share the same passion for rallying is just amazing.”

Team manager

Sachania is convinced that Tinu Khan’s experience and contribution as team manager will help 'Team Samani' on the course this year.

“Tinu is a key player of our team and indeed, the development of Kenyan motor racing. He knows the care from all directions. He is the one who maintains it.

"What’s more, he has participated in several classic events as a navigator and a team organiser, which gives him vast knowledge of what to expect when engines at the Safari Classic rev up."

Sachania also shared just what it feels like to interact with and compete against some of the world’s and Safari’s legends like Stig Blomqvist and Ian Duncan.

“I have competed against Ian in numerous Kenya National Rally Championships (KNRC) in the past. So, meeting the two Safari Classic Rally greats in a competitive atmosphere is always a moment to marvel at," he said.

"In my younger days, I enjoyed driving the Subaru. I upgraded to Mitsubishi Evolution since the KNRC increased its pace and it proved to be a very stable and reliable car. I switched to the Datsun to enjoy the classic splendour.”

Sachania bought the Datsun in 2015.

“The car is still in great condition and looks like it just rolled off the assembly line.” he said.

This year’s edition of the East African Safari Classic Rally is co-sponsored by Safaricom, Kenya Wildlife Service, Dodhia Packaging, Copy Cat Group, Vipingo Ridge, Internet Solutions and Sarova Group of Hotels.