Thunder Valley Off-Road Cross flags off Sri Lanka’s racing season

The first race in Sri Lanka’s off-road bike and 4x4 racing season will officially flag off on 29 February, with the Thunder Valley Off-Road Cross in Kaluaggala, Hanwella. Organised for the second consecutive year by the Four Wheel Drive Club (FWDC) of Sri Lanka and the Two Wheel Motor Racing Club (TWMRC), the race is already being hailed as a vital test for riders and drivers going into the racing season, giving the teams and their equipment a chance to fine-tune their skills, gear and racing strategies. 

“The response for our inaugural Thunder Valley Off Road Cross in 2019 was overwhelming and we received many requests to make this part of the annual racing calendar as it provided racers with an ideal proving ground for the start of their season,” said Thunder Valley Off Road Cross Track Designer Haren Yatawaka, “We have made a few changes to the track this year and extended the 4x4 course to give the racers a chance to push themselves under competition conditions.” 

The MX bike races will take place on a one-kilometre arena style track, with an average lap timed at one minute. The touring class special stages, incorporating axel twists and turns with technical driving skills will be tested across eight stages spread over the two days. The extreme class special stages will include a river, two creeks and mud pit obstacles requiring winching to complete each stage. 

“This is one of few privately owned tracks that offer both MX and 4x4 races to take place simultaneously, making it one of the more exciting events for both riders and spectators attending the event. The unique arena style track design also gives spectators an unobstructed view of the MX races, while 4x4 fans can get up close to the action,” said Thunder Valley Off Road Cross Event Director Sean Hameed. 

Sean added, “The overwhelming response we have received from both participants and brands has promoted us to explore the options of expanding the race in the coming years. This year we have Clear Men, Wurth, Ritzbury Chocolates, CTEK, Legends 96.6, YesFM, Motor Mag and PitPass on board. We are also working with a reputed outdoor event experience company Avant Premier to help manage the event and create a more engaging experience for all.”

The Thunder Valley Off Road Racing Facility located in the grounds of Yatawaka Walawwa in Kaluaggala, Hanwella, is less than an hour’s drive from Colombo city. The track design is the brainchild of Haren Yatawaka, a veteran rider with experience building many of Sri Lanka’s top racing tracks. It has been the proving grounds for a many of today’s riders and bike enthusiasts since 2002, with many going on to win championships at home and away. 

Proposed event schedule 

Practice Day Saturday, 29 February

9.00 a.m to 2.00 p.m – MX Category

9.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m – Touring Class 4x4 – Special Stages 1 – 4

9.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m – Extreme Class 4x4 – Special Stages 1 – 4

Race Day Sunday, 1 March 

9.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m –   Group JMX 50cc (Under 9) 

Group JMX 65cc (Under 12) Special Club Meet 

Group JMX 85cc (Under 12), 

Group JMX 85cc (Under 15) 

Group MX up to 250cc 

Group MX 250cc 

Group MX Open 

9.00 a.m to 3.00 p.m – Touring Class 4x4 – Special Stages 5-8

9.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m – Extreme Class 4x4 – Special Stages 5-8