By Feverpitch Reporter
As Kenya Airways East African Safari Classic fast approaches, Kenyan navigator Imran Khan believes regional experience will see him through.
The 4,300km long rally will be held in November in eight days of intense driving starting from Mombasa.
Imran is heading to Wales where the terrain on the countryside is deemed similar to what should be expected in the Classic.
Formerly with three times Kenya Champion Azar Awnar, Imran was enthusiastic of his Briton driver Simon Tysoe’s prowess as they prepare to test their ex-Bo Exelson Ford Escort Mk1 vehicle. Tysoe and Imran have partnered twice in 2011 in Kenya during the KMSC and Eldoret Rallies.
"I first met Tysoe in 2007. We went out for lunch in the UK and I realised he was interested in the doing the classic. In that year, he was going to New Zealand for Silver Fern Rally, his first marathon event. Then, I used to co-drive for Azar, who had just become the Kenya Champion in 2006. I had just finished two classics.The year 2003 I had quite a bit of exposure in Kenya so he (Tysoe) wanted someone who had the African experience and I was the most ideal choice."
"We intend to have a good result and it’s the first one I’m doing the Classic with a very serious competitor in a serious car," said Imran who has previously navigated his uncle Aslam Khan in the Safari Classic.
Mechanical bit
"We shall test in Wales for two days. The terrain is not far different from Africa. We will test the mechanical bit and also test the suspension components. We don’t want to overuse the car and wear it out before the East African."
Asked of how he will adjust from local events to the marathon set up, Imran continues: "In Classic, there is no recce so, you drive on the route without seeing the route prior to the race. Secondly, you are using tulip diagrams as opposed to pace notes. But the biggest difference with KNRC is in service where you have to manage your road time before service. The more time you spend in service, the faster you have to drive on the road to compensate."
Imran intends to service for his brother Farhaaz Khan in the KNRC when not engaged with Tysoe.