Themiya wins Lake Cross Challenge 2007

The Lake Cross challenge was held recently along side the picturesque Lake Gregory in Nuwara Eliya.

The Lake was at its peak following the recent rains. The rains also made the conditions ideal for the event with very sticky mud which is a key ingredient for any 4x4 challenge.

The event was open to all willing 4x4 owners. All competitors were briefed prior to the start by the track marshals highlighting the rules and regulations, do’s and don’ts of the competition. There was a good crowd participation watching the event from the other side of Lake Gregory.

The course was designed by the Four Wheel Drive Club and was held in 2 stages. The first stage was a qualifying stage where drivers negotiate various obstacles such as the “bunny hop”, “axel twisters” steep climbs and descents, and healthy dose of hill country mud.

This section could have been called the extreme stage as many competitors had to resort to “winching” or had to be pulled out by the recovery vehicles.

The courses set by the marshals gave the competitors a real challenge not only to show there skills in 4x4 driving but endurance activities as well, though this implied mostly to the co-drivers.

Most of the four wheel drives did manage to complete the stages but some were not that lucky.

Stage two was a timed event where competitors had to drive along a set course in the shortest possible time. This stage was less demanding, but could be characterized as the more entertaining part of the event and drew a large gathering of spectators.

As expected Land Rovers dominated with there superior off-road capability. Osanda Maligaspe in his hybrid Land Rover Defender had the fastest time, but unfortunately a series of debit points pushed him to 5th Place overall. This was arguably the most entertaining run of the event.

Veteran off road Driver Indika Sanjaya driving his Land Rover Defender completed a clean and classy run displaying his experience and skill on a very professional manner. He managed to end the event as the first runner up in the overall standings.

Themiya Abeywickrama in his Land Rover Discovery drove intelligently and faultlessly to a well deserved win in Nuwara Eliya Lake Cross 2007. His run was a fine example of what can be achieved by skilled driver in his Land Rover