Sigiriya Rally Cross on new track

Bernard PERERA

Sri Lanka Air Force which has been showing prowess flying above has come out with a new concept to attract masses for ground activity by setting up a motor racing track at Sigiriya. Sigiriya is a place where people visited to see the fortress and its frescoes.

Air Force has thought it fitting to set up this rally cross track in association with one of Sri Lanka's leading motor racing clubs (SLARDAR). The track will get its baptism on September 27 when they conduct the Sigiriya Rally Cross on this new track.

The track which is a mix of tarmac and gravel will have 2.2 km, the longest track to be done in Sri Lanka. This includes 800 metres of tarmac and the balance gravel surface. It is also a wide track which will help the drivers immensely width ample with for overtaking. This opportunity will give the riders a chance to touch high speeds while making things thrilling for spectators. The track which consists of ten corners too is sure add more colour to the event while the drivers will have to work hard to control their vehicles going through these corners.

Meanwhile the riders too have a tough task handling their bikes as this is a completely a new track and also with many jumps and more additions to make the track up to international standards. If the riders are capable of overcoming these obstacles to win, will also help them to reach international standards in the future. The organisers hope all leading drivers and riders to enter this new circuit to challenge each other in different classes of cars and bikes.

According to organisers they have planned to conduct ten events for motorcycles and twelve events for cars of different classes. The motorcycles event includes two events for under 10, 13 age groups.

Air Force will preparing to use the proceeds of this event for the welfare of the in-service Airmen and women and also for the families of Airmen who lost their breadwinners and of disabled Airmen.

They also request private sector organisations to come forward to sponsor events as this will be of vital importance for motor racers, spectators as well as the Air Force. Practices for drivers and riders will be allowed on September 26.

All in all the new track is sure to produce top class racing on this day.