Lankan drivers and riders to face the first Triathlon today
 

BY BERNARD Perera

THE first ever Motor Triathlon organised by the Southern Motor Sports Club is scheduled to be conducted today and tomorrow at Matara.

The Triathlon introduced to Lankan drivers and riders with see the Drag Race, Southern Auto Test and the Eliyakanda Hill Climb (Browns Hill Climb). The Hill Climb on Sunday is considered a stage for the national championship.

The first stage of the Triathlon is to commence at 1.00 p.m. at Bandattara on a 2 km tarmac. The competitors will be flagged off one by one.

The winners will be decided on the timing recorded by each competitor. The timing will be done electronically.

This stage is to be followed by the Drag Race at the same venue. The race will be conducted according to the international rules stipulated by the world governing body. The drivers and riders will be put on 400 m tarmac.

It will be a battle between two drivers or riders at a time on a knock-out basis. The winner will be decided on the fastest time. The event is to commence late in the evening to add more colour.

The third and final stage of the Triathlon the Eliyakanda Hill will follow on the following morning. This considered as one of the best motor racing events in the motor racing calendar has attracted over 100 drivers and riders from all parts of the country.

Competitors are given two runs on the Hill Climb from which the fastest time will be considered for the count. The competitors will drive in different categories of their own choice. Each category will have a winner and two runners-up for whom awards will be given.

The fastest driver for the day will receive the Preethi Plliyaguru Challenge Trophy.

Meanwhile the Southern Triathlon Trophies are on offer for drivers and riders competing in all these events on both days. There will be two awards for fastest driver and rider. The awards ceremony is due to be held at Pearl Cliff Hotel, Browns Hill, Matara at 4.00 p.m.