HELLIBEES MOVES INTO GRAVEL RACING
Hellibees in its endeavour to harness young riders and drivers moved into gravel racing as well, as most young kids start on gravel (motocross) racing from the age of six.
As there is an abundance of talent in this country, Hellibees racing helps youngsters with behaviour and helps them develop an apt for learning.
After trying out the field in 2017 Hellibees went into 2018 with a large group and that was more organised.
As tarmac racing was rescheduled to the latter part of the year, Hellibees aimed its focus on gravel racing.
Sangeeth Suriyage, the tarmac Supermotard champ took upon the task of managing the off road team supported by last year’s MX champ Ishan Dassanayaka who incidentally ran in the 125cc racing event for Hellibees and spends his time training the team.
Sangeeth is also supported by the rest of the group - Team Hellibees headed by Ned Daniel.
This year the team included nine year olds Minuka and Rivinu Rathnayaka.
Minuka was the Under-10 champion last year wining most of the races, now they both run with small bikes in the Under-12 category and still achieve podium finishes.
16-year-old Banuka Rathnayaka who was running Under-16 last year decided to join the big boy league – the 250cc MX event and is showing great promise, coming in the first group amongst some of the best in the country.
11-year-old, Nisala Jayasundara running in the Under-15 category, Rashmi Karunarathne running the Under-12 and Under-15 is showing amazing development most often wining the Under-12.
The live wires of Hellibees racing – drivers Michael Wijeysuriya and Janaka Dias add colour and experience to the young group.
Michael runs the 1,050cc modified class winning most of the times or at least finishing with a podium.
Janaka runs the SLGT and the Honda SLH class. Together they have two team championships under their belts.
After nearly a dozen races across the country from Minneriya to Udawalawe, Hellibees has developed vastly and is looking forward to next year, with hope to have an even larger team including more youngsters.