Speed 2005 Championships - stage one a grand success

by Bernard Perera

The Speed 2005 Motor Racing Championships stage one concluded on Sunday at Pannala International Circuit on a grand note. The championship organised by the Asian Motor Racing Club attracted 108 drivers for the nine events that were worked off on this day.

Leading drivers Dilantha Malagamuwa and Dinesh Deheragoda became stars in the main events (FIA-N cars and SLA-A cars 1600 cc 3500 and SL-A cars 1600 cc - 3500) which was run concurrently as the final event for the day.

A total of 14 drivers faced the flag, but only five vehicles completed the entire 12 laps. Dilantha who is presently in Japan flew especially for the meet was in great shape driving his Toyota Celica 2000 cc. He became the only driver in the SL-A cars 1600-3500 cc category to receive the chequered flag, and become the winner with ease.

In the FIA-N cars with the same capacity Dinesh Deheragoda too did not have any opposition and ended as a clear winner in this class. As the opposition was weak Deheragoda could not come up with all his skills in his latest Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX which also was the fastest vehicle on track in this class. The absence of Aravinda Premadasa in this category was a big disappointment for the spectators who gathered in large numbers to witness a great racing event on this track.

The Ford Formula Post 85 was a keenly contested race. The battle between Shashika Dias and Romani de Silva caught the eyes of all. Romani who had the advantage with a best timing on previous day was on pole position and was off in a flash to be in the lead.

But Dias who was trailing behind for two laps sped past Romani in the third lap. He went ahead as the race leader until the penultimate lap with Romani chasing behind. A slight mistake by the leader saw Romani move ahead to receive the chequered flag. Dias' mistake also paved the way for Dinesh Jayawardene to finish as the first runner-up. Dias was placed third. All in all it was an event that none will forget for a long time.

Dinesh Jayawardene soon after his competition in the Formula Event came up with an excellent performance to win the FIA-N cars 1600 cc. Jayawardene drove his DHL sponsored Honda 1600 in greater style to push back the veteran in this class Nadeera Jinasena, S. Manapperuma and Elly Gershon the Israeli driver who has been a regular competitor in the local motor racing scene.

From the start it was a battle between Jayawardene and Gershon with Manapperuma always behind the leaders. The race totted up lap by lap with the two leaders going all out to get past each other. Bad luck struck Gershon just before the final lap when his engine could not cope up the pressure for 12 laps and had to end as the third runner-up.

The veteran Formula driver Rohan de Silva who failed to be in the top order in his favourite class put up a gallant show behind the wheel of his 'Honda Special McLarens Ci' competing SL-S cars up to 1600 cc he held on to his lead what he gained from the start. He was followed by Siddi Farouk in his Westfield.

The Formula Ford Pre 85 event became a battle between Col. Ravi Mayadunne and the only lady driver in the category Shehara de Silva. Col. Mayadunne was in the lead from the word go and never let the young lady get past him at any stage. Though eight drivers completed only the top two Col. Mayadunne and Shehera controlled their machines well until the final lap.

The other lady driver S. A. Lakshika, sister of two drivers who were seen on this day joined the fray with Shehara to race against male counterparts in the Nissan March one make car event. These two young ladies were seen always chasing the race leader Shantha Suraweera for the full length of the event (12 laps). Experienced Suraweera never made a mistake during the race, for ladies get the advantage. Shehera and Lakshika finished as runners-up to Suraweera.

S. A. Duminda the brother of Lakshika drove his Nissan B310 well to get the better of Rameez Mahamoor. Mahamoor who drove his Suzuki Cultus could not cope with Duminda who got ahead in the very start. This is Mahamoor's first defeat driving his Cultus. He has been very successful with winning all his previous outings.

Rohith de Silva was a another winner in the SL-A cars up to 1050 cc. He was driving his 'Rover Petco'. He never confronted problems other competitors as he had a clear lead from the commencement of the event. Anil Jayakody and Tharindu Lokuge ended up as runners-up behind Rohith.

The other Army man on track this day Major Harsha Wijetunge too lived up to expectation winning the SL-N cars 12 kg category comfortably. He was followed by U. C. Perera and Lalin Kirinde.

Sajaad Zuhair outclassed Nimal Gunewardene and Raja Pieris in the SL-N 10-12 kg category. Zuhair handled a Honda Ex.

Dilshard Hamdoon and Dhammika Pieris who has been in top condition during the last season with many victories under them could not live up to expectations and lost to Chaminda Weerasuriya in Ford Laser / Mazda 1500 cc one make class.

Siddi Farouk another experienced driver was placed behind Janaka Dias in SL-N 8-10 kg group. Buddhika de Silva had to satisfy himself with the third place in this class.

The novices event which was a novel event introduced to attract young blood for motor racing was a well contested event. Young Pasindu Pieris who made his debut behind the wheel forgetting his pet two-wheeler, was outstanding. He drove his Mazda 323 excellently to win the race and also to prove that he is a driver looking forward to a good motor racing future.

The other youngsters too showed that they are capable of handling their machines well on the track. Their presence on this day is a good sign for the future motor racing. Pasindu said that he will not keep the bikes out of his, reach but will handle the same whenever possible to be on both versions of the sport.

Criterium cycle race

C. P. Meemanage representing the Sri Lanka army team who collected 22 points on the first stage was declared the winner of the Criterium cycle race which was held for the first time on the Pannala track. The race have four stages to be completed along with the speed 2005 championship. Fifty three Elite Riders faced the starter but only 51 completed the 20 lap event. The overall winner will be decided after the completion of the fourth stage.

The overall winner is to receive a 'Gilera' scooter worth Rs. 100,000 with kind courtesy of Gold Wing Motors Ltd. The criterium cycling event was organised by the Interim Committee for cycling in Sri Lanka.