Ananda in record run at Mahagastota Hill Climb

S M Jiffrey ABDEEN- Kandy Sports Corr

Veteran motor racing driver Ananda de Alwis is out to improve on his world record of 48 years of participation in the same event when he drives up the Mahagastota hill tomorrow at the Annual Mahagastota Speed Hill Climb organised by the Ceylon Motor Sports Club is worked off at Blackpool in Nanu Oya.

The President of the Ceylon Motor Sports Club Niroshan Perera confirmed that Ananda de Alwis had entered for an event at this year's hill climb and the veteran racing driver Ananda de Alwis himself confirmed to this correspondent that he will be participating at this year's event this Sunday.

Ananda de Alwis holds the world record for having competed in motor races for over fifty years and he celebrated this event two years ago. He first broke into motor racing in 1963 as a young boy and since then has been continuously participating in motor racing event whether it be Circuit Races, Rallies, Hill Climbs etc.

He first participated at the Mahagastota Speed Hill Climb in 1964 in an Austin Car and here he went for a Ford Mexico about 35 years and since he has been using this vehicle at every Mahagastota Hill Climb. Using the same vehicle at a single event for over 35 years itself may be a record when there is a tendency to go for the latest cars with improved facilities to compete in races.

But not with Ananda de Alwis who has absolute trust and confidence in his old Ford Mexico and has never lets him down at the races, though he may not won or was placed but finishing the race without mishaps or breakdowns is most important.

Ananda de Alwis who is in his seventies but looks much younger is a retired planter cum planting consultant and visiting Agent. He feels that he should set an example to the present generation that participation is more important than winning. Races are there because you have participated.

There is a winner because there is a loser. If there are no participants or losers there will be no races or competitions. So one must not give up half way or make half hearted attempts.

In a hill climb if you had not timed well in the first run, try hard you will do well in the second run and even end as the winner. Do not despair or give up hopes, and winning and losing is part of the game.

This will be Ananda de Alwis' 49th Mahagastota Hill Climb and last year the Ceylon Motor Sports Club awarded him a special trophy for the longest participation of 48 years.

A very sporting gesture by the club which is ably administered by top officials in the motor racing scene.