Formula events trashed from Rotherham Katukurunda 2015

It is undoubtedly a known and accepted norm that any Sport in Sri Lanka, and even globally, is developed and grown by young talented players and competitors emerging from the foundations of the system. 

In Sri Lankan motor sports, the majority who compete in Formula events are the vibrant and talented young, who have participated in Go Kart races which is the foundation in the motor sports arena, prior to be eligible to drive a Formula. These drivers are then put through a rigorous weekend of training and subsequently shortlisted to race for a year in Formula events.

Speed Drome Karting Center Battaramulla, the pioneers of go karting in Sri Lanka, has made considerable investment in order to create such a system that benefits youngsters interested in motor racing, with no additional cost to the governing body or, to any motor sports Club. However, it has become evident that motor racing enthusiasts who emerge successfully from the stipulated system are rejected by certain motor racing event organising sports clubs. 

Despite this program being in place since 2010, various differences that have cropped up with certain motor sports clubs and the governing body of the sport have deprived young competitors from competing in one of the major scale tarmac race meets of the year which was held recently.

The disappointment of some young competitors who were deprived of participation:

“We were very sad to hear that we are unable to compete in the Rotherham Katukurunda Circuit Meet 2015 in the Formula event. This is an annual event we always look forward to compete in,” said Brayan Perera, Formula McLarens EFI National Champion 2014.

“I have competed in Rotherham Katukurunda Circuit Meet in the Formula event for three consecutive years, and was informed that this year the event was not lined up. Formula McLarens events are one of the most competitive one make series events which was run for many years and, we are disappointed that we were not be able to compete this year,” said Chandima Gunarathna, Formula McLarens Carburetor National Champion 2012 and Formula McLarens EFI National Champion 2013.

“Rotherham Katukurunda is one of the biggest tarmac race events in the Sri Lankan annual race calendar and, as drivers, we look forward to this Meet, in order to participate in the Formula event. However, due to some reason this year we will be deprived of running this event leaving us very disappointed when all other event classes are permitted to take part, whereas two Formula events are left out,” said Andrew Choksy, Formula McLarens Carburetor driver 2012 and Formula McLarens EFI driver 2013 to present.

Meanwhile, Speed Drome CEO/Director Dinesh Jayawardana said: “As an endeavor to introduce the Formula single seater racing to Sri Lanka, we introduced the cars to Sri Lankan racing in 2010. Since then we have been part of almost all tarmac racing meets which are organised by many motor sports clubs. We have seen over 100 young talented drivers enter the racing arena, starting with Go-Karts and graduating to Formula Racing. However, after being part of Rotherham Katukurunda Circuit Meet for five years, since 2010, we have been informed that the Formula events will not be run this year, due to a request for an event fee to be paid by the single seater federations to the organisers. It is sad to see this happening as we feel that when organising a race meet, one should promote all classes and not restrict any one of them. When we try to promote young talents this way it is sad to see clubs like SLADA try to discourage the competitors who have keen interest to participate for few race meets that are organised every year.”

A humble request is made to the Minster of Sports to look into the reasons organisers eliminate event classes, whereas they should be promoting same, especially among the young and talented Formula drivers who are keen to promote and grow the sport.