Han accelerates toward the comet, pushing the modified freighter past its top end specifications. Given the superior speed of TIE fighters, the Falcon’s head start seems very narrow indeed. Chewbacca constantly works to locate the exact origin of the distress signal.
The Corellian knows that once they enter teh comet, his lead may grow by several minutes, or it may diminish. The electromagnetic static of the two stars will play havoc with the Falcon’s communications equipment – perhaps its flight computer as well. Their success will depend largely upon how closely Chewbacca pinpoints the nucleus before the twin suns blind their equipment.
Han does not want to trust Leia’s life to the whims of a star’s electormagnetic field. Even though he feels like strangling her for forcing him into this stupid race, he has to admit – grudgingly – that he admires her spirit. He knows very few women (or men, for that matter) who have the guts to challenge him at his own game.
A grim frown on his lips, the smuggler decides to increase his chances of beting the TIEs to the distress signal.