Gajaba super cross 2010:

Drivers and Riders battle for supremacy

Bernard PERERA

The ninth annual Gajaba Super Cross organized by Gajaba Regiment, will be held on September 26 at Saliyapura circuit commencing 9 a.m. This was disclosed to the media at the press briefing held at the media centre for national security. The meet is conducted by Sri Lanka Association of racing drivers and riders (SLARDAR).

The meet is also the penultimate meet for the (SLARDAR) championship 2010. Gajaba super cross which commenced in the year 1999 continued without a break till 2007 but had to skip 2008 and 2009 events due to the security situation and revival is made this year with the dawn of the peace said Major General Chaki Gallage addressing the media. Major further added that with previous meets successes has brought in good results for the Regiment. The main theme of the event is to raise funds to look after the family members of 4200 of the regiment who paid the supreme sacrifice during the war.

Another 4200 officers from all ranks are permanently disabled and the regiment has to give a helping hand too. In addition part of the funds will be utilized for the welfare facilities of the servicemen attached to the regiment, said the Major General.

President of SLARDAR Rodney Mason giving details of the track said that lot of improvements had to be made to the track as it was idling for two years. With the redevelopments being done the drivers and riders will be able to give their maximum to the large number of motor enthusiasts expected for the meet on this day.

This event gathered momentum from the inception and became the biggest sporting event in the North Central Province. He added this year too the organizers expect a larger number of motor racing fans to witness the day's proceedings. A total of 26 events are scheduled to be conducted including the four championship events, two for cars and two for bikes.

Mason said that the dawning of peace to the North and East will also help youngsters to take up to the sport in a big way. The SLARDAR is making arrangements to conduct seminars and training programs in these areas.

He also said that with the help of the Sri Lanka Army sent invitations to motor racing fans to visit Saliyapura track on this day to have a good look at this sport. This is a sport that has never taken place in North and East. This will serve them as an eye-opener said Mason.

The championship for the SLGJ cars 3500 cc is wholly contested throughout the year with Pasindu Pieris in the lead and the two former champions Dinesh Deheragoda and Aravinda Premadasa following.

The three places are separated only by a slender margin of five points between them. The difference is going to be the firing point for all three drivers said Mason. He also said that with one more meet left to decide the championship a keen contest is expected on this day. Motor cycle championship too is in a very decisive juncture with Gayan Sandaruwan being challenged by the Indian champion C.S. Santosh. The difference between these two riders is only seven points. Gayan in front will have to use all his skill to stay on top by collecting the maximum points on this day.

On the other side Santosh who is taking all available resources to outride the local champion Gayan will be accompanied by two other riders.

They too have made many appearances on local tracks but could not get closer to the leader. Their presence is a morale booster for Indian champion who is keen in taking the championship title away from the reigning champion Gayan Sandaruwan.

Many experienced local riders too will be seen in action posing a big challenge to the leader and the Indian riders. The Indian riders are sponsored for the meet by the TVS Lanka Ltd.

The Gajaba Super Cross 2010 is lavishly sponsored by Bank of Ceylon and CEAT Lanka Ltd.

The Motor Racing fans will sure witness all the thrills and spills expected from an event of this nature provided the weather keeps fine.