fuelling Dilantha to win the World

Dilantha Ranjula Bandara Malagamuwa popularly known as Dilantha Malagamuwa is an International motorsport idol, who was born in June 24, 1963 in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. He has made Sri Lanka proud and exposed

to the global arena with his spectacular performance on the racing track. Dilantha Malagamuwa being an abundantly loved person by Sri Lankans, has been enunciated as Maxxis Brand Ambassador in Sri Lanka for the year 2019. Maxxis which is within top ten of the Global Tyre Manufactures Ranking List and regarded as one of the pillars of manufacturers of tyres, is indeed proud to select Dilantha Malagamuwa as its Brand Ambassador. In an interview with this great individual, he expressed his views on partnering with the Maxxis and his racing career. Following are some excerpts of the interview done with him. Q AT THE OUTSET, COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT THE LATEST RACE YOU FINISHED?

The last race was held at Paul Ricard Circuit in France on June 6 where I was 2nd in the first race of the Blancpain GT sports Club race and 4th in the Second race in the Titanium class. I am so happy to represent my motherland and bring pride for my country. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all humble Sri Lankans for all the support and wishes. I love you all. And special thanks to my Sponsors Maxxis, Ceylex Engineering, Kobe Motors and Auto Village.

Q HOW DO YOU FEEL PARTNERING WITH MAXXIS TYRES AND YOU BEING SELECTED AS MAXXIS BRAND AMBASSADOR IN SRI LANKA FOR THE YEAR 2019?

I think one of the best things happened in my life. They are my main sponsor now. It is not only being sponsors but they support me morally unlike other sponsors. Besides, it is not just giving money, they look after me. The concept of the company is totally different to that of other companies. When the Maxxis came to me, I realised that they have the passion not because Dilantha Malagamuwa is driving Lamborghini but because they are proud to be Sri Lankans and want to support someone who brings pride for Sri Lanka. So, I think I am privileged to work with a team like them. I would like to thank Maxxis for helping me win the world. As long as they want to sponsor me, I would love to be together with them.

Q WHAT IS YOUR STANCE ON THE MAXXIS TYRES AS A COMPANY?

They are one of the best companies. They are growing every day. The reason why I became their brand ambassador is because of the quality of their tyres is very high. Maxxis Tyres is known and trusted by billions of loyal customers around the globe, It offers high quality tyre products for passenger car and light trucks, trucks bus radial and truck bus bias. So, it is a great honour for me to be selected as a brand ambassador of a Company like Maxxis which has been maintaining and delivering the standard quality in tyres since its inception. Q YOU ARE A PERSON WHO HAS BROUGHT PRIDE AND FAME TO SRI LANKA ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. SO, ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH THE RECOGNITION THAT YOU RECEIVE IN HERE?

I have done everything in my life to bring pride and fame to my motherland. I always think not what country does for me but what I can do for the country. I don’t think any other sportsman gets that love and respect from the public of Sri Lanka the way I get it. The classic example for this is that I became the most popular sportsman of Sri Lanka in last two years. Cricket having that much of advertising and recognition, we still beat them because my fellow Sri Lankans love me a lot. This has given me courage and enthusiasm to pursue in my career with flying colours irrespective of less support I receive from people who are in power.

I did not expect anybody to come and help me. I worked hard especially to find funds for my racing when I started this journey. However, I don’t still get adequate support from the administration but I am not worried because the love and respect I get from my Sri Lankans, has paid me immensely. Nevertheless, I am grateful to the good heart of Maxxis for coming up and sponsoring me even when other companies refute to do so. Q THE JOURNEY YOU HAVE COME SO FAR HASN’T BEEN A BED OF ROSES FOR SURE. SO, HOW HARD HAS IT BEEN?

Yes, of course. It hasn’t been that much easy for me to come to the position where I am now. I had to go through a period of hardships, rejections and frustrations. However, I was really committed to my work although I was not to become a racing driver. I had a passion for cars and motorcycles since my childhood. The day I watched a movie called ‘Silver Dream Racer’ when I was 14, I determined to be a racing driver.

I received my education at St. Annes’s College and Trinity College Kandy. I started racing at the age of 16 by winning a motorcycle race in Sri Lanka and did the international race when I was 18. It is worthy to mention that two of my sisters have become my greatest supporters. They encouraged me and persuaded my father to buy me a Yamaha TZ350 when I was 18. My parents did not like me continuing with racing. However, I ran away to Japan when I was 20 to fulfil my dream. It was not as easy as it appeared to get adjusted to the conditions. However, I managed to do so.

In Sri Lanka, we have no infrastructure for motor sports. We have no facility to test a car here as it costs a lot. However, we have still survived thanks to my Sri Lankans and people like Maxxis. Nothing is impossible. I continue to bring pride and fame to Sri Lanka amidst difficulties.

Q HOW MANY ACHIEVEMENTS YOU HAVE MADE IN RACING?

I became the first non-japanese Asian driver to compete in Formula Nippon and Japan GT500 and GT300 also winning the N1 Championship in Japan in 1995 and winning the Tokachi 24 hours race 3 times.

I have also won the GT3 Asia Championship in 2010, the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship – Asian Series in 2016 and also a triple Malaysia Super Car GT Champion, making history as the first Sri Lankan racing driver to win an International Motor Racing Championship.

Up to now, I have won about 200 Podiums in International races and over 200 in local races.

I have eight international championships and eight 1st runner-up championships. No one has won 200 Podiums in Asia even in international area, it is very few. Next year, I will get into the Guinness books of record because I have been competing in active sports for continuously 40 years. From day one, I have been winning. I think it is a grand milestone in my life.

Q AT LAST, WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

Now, I am racing in the European championship. I aspire to finish it with victory. I hope to do more races and bring pride to my motherland. After all, I want to do the best for Sri Lanka not only in racing but in other ways as well. I would like to use this opportunity to thank my parents, sisters, my wife, daughters and all Sri Lankans who encourage me in coming to the position where I am now.