Walawe Supercross roars off today

The 6th edition of the Uda Walawe Supercross organised by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Motor Sports committee of the SLA Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (SLEME) and supported by the SL Motorcycle Club (SLMC) will speed off at Uda Walawe Supercross in Sevanagala, Uda Walawe today.

The inaugural meet held in 2011, has since gone from strength to strength, and this year too, the organisers, along with the sponsors, will be looking forward to a successful event, as in previous years.

The track is situated at the 17th milepost on the Uda WalaweThanamalwila Road, just outside the Army camp, close to the Uda Walawe National Park.

The SLMC has a proud history of over 6 decades of organising motor racing events such as the Reliability Trials, Circuit meets in Kurunegala, Ratmalana and Matugama, Road races in Kurunegala and Nuwara Eliya to name a few.

The Walawe Supercross is not only fun and enjoyment for the spectators, as the SLEME is con- ducting this with a worthy cause in mind, with all proceeds destined for the benefit of terrorist victims of the Regiment and for disabled soldiers, which they have been doing since 2011.

The organisers expect over 140 competitors including from overseas, to be in action in the 11 motorcar and 13 motorcycle events scheduled.

Driver Ushan Perera and rider Ishan Dasanayake, leaders in the two categories, will no doubt be the cynosure of all eyes. Ushan who is in top form in the SL GT Super car event, will be competing in his first ever stint on this track, and it’s left to be seen how he fares, as he will face stiff opposition from a host of top drivers with experience in past events on this track.

On the other hand, Ishan has the experience on this tricky track of 1.5 km and will no doubt be seeking to continue his form. But he cannot afford to take things lightly, as the other riders will be breathing down his neck.

Causway Paints are the main sponsors, while CEAT, Cold Stores, Stafford Motors and a host of others have come in as co- sponsors to ensure this event is a success.