BMW race car champion
Renowned race car champion Sripathi Haputantri and owner of SRI racing - a company that builds racing cars - is the reigning national champion in the JS class of BMW racing of North America and the owner of SRI Racing race team based in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.
Having made inroads to the racing industry when he worked as an apprentice for German Speed Merchants, a German car specialist in Wilmington, North Carolina as a University student, Sripathi has been car crazy from his childhood. He was an avid collector of matchbox toys and dreamt of racing glory at Katukurunda races. Today, he has made a name for himself in the global arena while keeping the Sri Lankan flag flying high. Impulse tracked down Sripathi recently for a brief chat during one of his visits to Sri Lanka.
Q: Your school days and childhood dreams?
“Well, I schooled at Royal College up to my O/LS and those were some of the best times of my life. I spent a lot of my time getting dirty under broken cars and lorries. I went to my first race in Katukurunda with a neighbour/ class mate. Since then I have been so passionate about fast cars and races.
Q: What is your profession?
After finishing my bachelor's degree in computer information systems and finance, I was still very much involved in the local racing scene in the US and wanted to try my hand at owning my own company that dealt with all aspects of the racing industry. SRI racing is the final product, a total solution provider for the racing enthusiast. We own our own racing team, we build production cars into licensed, log booked race cars, engineer the dynamics and drive train
for race cars, maintain, transport and provide track support at the races.
Q: What are your achievements on the track?
My biggest achievement in racing up to now is winning the 2011 National and Regional Championships for the JS class of BMW racing of North America by winning 9 JS Class races across the country. In addition I have won many races since my first win in 2006 Sebring International race way. I proudly sport the Sri Lankan flag on all my race cars.
Q: Family support…?
My wife has been a great support to me throughout my racing career, she was a part of my regular pit crew in my first few years of racing. Now she keeps my crew fed, hydrated and ensures that I don't break rest during races.
Q: How would you describe Sripathi Haputantri?
I am lucky to have turned my childhood dream and hobby into a money making venture. When I work on a project, I give my 100% to it. My love, passion and attention to detail, willingness to learn and dedication for the sport are cornerstones of my racing success. After two really bad crashes in one where I fractured my collarbone and bruised three ribs, it was my profuse determination that kept me going to win the class national championship in 2011. I have a collection of vintage European cars,
most of which I myself restored in my own free time.
Q: Your gratitude goes to….
Many people have helped me along the way and among them are my parents, wife and mentors. My wife Valarie is my biggest fan, supporter and critique. The man who encouraged me to channel my talents and energies toward the sport is the late Danny Alvis, a motor sport enthusiast who died while flying his own plane to watch one of my races.
Q: Future plans?
I would like to build further on my skill and reputation as a team owner and a successful race car engineer to win more races and build more race cars!