Speed 2012 flags off in Pannala

Chinathana WASALA

The two little brothers, Jaden and Aaron Gunawardena, champion driver Dinesh Deheragoda, King of gravel - EZY Racing team's Pasindu Peiris, Ashan Silva, Veteren driver Upulwan Serasinghe and youngsters like 2011 Formula McLarens 1300cc champion Thivanka Wijesekera will be on the spotlight when the first pace of the 2012 Speed Championship flags off in Pannala this Sunday.

The 12 year motorcyclist Jaden Gunawardene proved that he is a star to watch as he carried away two major awards at the last Speed Championship Awards and will be a force to be reckoned with in the under 16 age riding in the Group 'J' Standard up to 125cc class.

Champion driver who entertained spectators, winning many titles in Sri Lanka for the SL-GT 3500cc class over the years, Dinesh Deheragoda will have to face some stiff opposition from EYZ team drivers Shafraz Junaid and Rizvi Farook.

Veteran driver Upulwan Serasinghe who bagged the title in the Ford Laser 1300cc class will also be in action in more than one categories.

Ashan Silva is expected to be the star in the SL H 1600cc class.

In the two wheelers, Udika Malavige, Sujith Karunasekera, Suraj Perera and EZY's Sriyan Samuels will entertain the massive crowds expected at Pannala

There will be a record number of participation in the Formula McLarens 1300cc category as a new set of 10 drivers will also be in action behind the steering wheels in tomorrow's event. These drivers, part of a 29 member team, underwent rigorous training last month at the Pannala Race Track, under the guidance of FIA Trainer from India, Akbar Ibrahim. Last year's Formula McLarens 1300cc champion Thivanka Wijesekera, a product from the Speed Drome Go-karting Center at Bataramulla will be the one to watch.

The competitors will see themselves included in the Speed Championship for the year 2012 as this is only the first of four events to be held in Pannala.

The championship was organized by Asian Motor Racing Club, Motor Racing Association, Sri Lanka Motor Racing Club and Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club. McLarens Lubricants limited, distributors of Mobil Lubricants in Sri Lanka will be the main sponsor of the event.