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Creating history under floodlights
Speed @ Nite first ever in Sri Lanka
Sanjeevani Seneviratne reporting from Pannala
The Pannala race track wore a thrillingly different garb last night with Speed at Nite, Sri Lanka's first ever night racing taking place with an impressive crowd applauding all the way.

The hottest race of the night was the final event, with veterans in the racing track Dinesh Deheragoda and Nalin Perera giving all spectators an edge of the seat experience in the event. Nalin led the race all the way with Deheragoda following him until the 11th lap when the two collided and Deheragoda snatched the lead.

The first event of the night was Racing Motor Cycles 125CC category with seasoned riders like Dilantha Malagamuwa, Prabath Peiris and Visal Fernando taking part. Fernando in his Honda RS 125CC, was the lucky rider of the event clocking the first win of this night race.

Malagamuwa participated in the 1st ad 2nd events doing a quick change from a two wheel to a four wheel to win the 2nd event of the day. He won the race despite the fact that Dinesh Jayawardene had good start in the race. The fight for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd places could be seen all the way between Malagamuwa, Jayawardene and Sasika Dias.

The highlight of the Mini event was the battle between the two brothers Rohith and Thusith de Silva who chose to race under Nos: 21 and 22. Rohith expectedly lead all the way ahead of Thusith gradually increasing and strategically his speed lap by lap.

Rohith went on to win the category ahead of Thusith de Silva Another exciting event was the Street Trail event in which seasoned riders like Shane Gunawardene and Rohana Jayaratne were involved in a good fight and a show for fans. Jayaratne continued the spirited challenge when unfortunately he suffered a mishap and went out of the track. Although he returned in the same vein to continue the fight Gunawardene never lost his stylish lead.

Another exciting event was the Group SLA 6Kg/Hp upto and including 8Kg/Hp. In this event, which turned out to be one of the best races last night in Pannala, Dinesh Jayawardene gave good start in his Honda V-Tec to put a lot of pressure on Gershon. Jayawardene powered his way throughout the race almost kissing bumpers with Gershon. Jayawardene never gave up hassling Gershon however and finally took the title with Mahinda Premaratne coming third.

Rizwi Farook had an unfortunate day with engine trouble and was force to pull out from both his events. Speed @ Nite did not conclude in the usual manner. The drag racers added extra spice to the night by giving all present a dramatic end. Results are subject to official confirmation

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