For the first time in history Sri Lanka’s existing handful of riders banded together to form an association to support the endeavors and survival of their clan. The new organization came out in the form of Racing Riders’ Union (RRU) with a new constitution meant to serve to the betterment of the hundred odd riders. The RRU held its inaugural general meeting to select the first set of office bearers at the Lions Club auditorium in Colombo-8 on July 17.
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| Gayan Sandaruwan in action. Pix by Sanka Vidanagama |
“This formation is a result of a long term discussion which spanned for more than a year. Racing Riders in Sri Lanka is a dying breed if I’m not mistaken. There are more riders calling it quits than the ones who are attracted to the sport,” Sri Lanka’s most successful racing rider Gayan Sandaruwan stated.
Gayan who is the incumbent secretary of the RRU pointed out many areas that have been the cause of decreasing number of racing riders in the country.
Failure to obtain an insurance policy, lack of proper facilities for medical, fitness and training in addition to financial benefits is on the verge of dragging one of the most entertaining sports of Sri Lanka its resting place.
These major setbacks have prompted the racing riders who thrill and entertain the spectators to take up the new challenge onto their own shoulders. “There are many parties who organize race events but unfortunately most of them fail to contribute towards the benefit of the riders. The organizers from their angle claim that they earn considerably well from an event. But none of them are willing to arrange cash awards for the riders as well as drivers,” he added.
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| Gayan Sandaruwan |
The RRU before it formed had met the officials of Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Federation (SLMCF) to discuss on most of the crucial matters that needed to be addressed immediately. But the officials of SLMCF had failed to come up with the fitting remedies as most officials of the governing body are performing a voluntary service, similar to the riders of Sri Lanka.
The new union of riders has attracted almost the entire racing fraternity which tallies just over a hundred. The RRU hopes to discuss their future progress with other racing clubs, associations and officials including the Ministry of Sports.
“As at present, there are only two MTX250cc motorbikes for the main race in a Supercross. Anyone can see over 20 riders in the main event but except for two the remaining bikes are with the engine capacity of 125cc. There were over ten such bikes but most riders have sold their machines and are out of the scene,” Gayan revealed.
According to the experienced rider who has taken part in over ten international racing events, insurance is a must to enter a racing motorcycle into the track. But in Sri Lanka companies have failed to come up with a suiting policy viewing the risk factor of the sport.
In addition the handful of riders faces difficulties to maintain their form on the rough tracks around the country due to the lack of a training track. The main tracks around the country are mostly owned by the military where riders do not enjoy the accessibility often unless during a meet. Even so, the officials of such camps tend to protect the tracks for the big day and thwart the requests of riders for practice sessions, days before race day.
“Most of us riders are not privileged enough to enjoy practice facilities as in Sri Lanka there is no such training track. I do have a friend of mine who willingly gave a portion of his land to create a practice track and most of the riders make use of it. It’s in a private property far off Colombo. One of our goals is to have our own practice track, so we could also train the youngsters and the talented whilst doing our practice sessions. It will not only benefit the riders but also the sport in the long run,” Gayan elaborated.
Racing riders spend an average of Rs. 100,000 per race which forces them to spend a staggering Rs. 1.2 million per year according to the annual race calendar. The spending only encourages those who are able to meet the financial needs, which forces many of the talented riders to retire prematurely. Additionally the emergence of foreign riders dominating the domestic tracks has also discouraged many from taking part in races.
“Whatever happens, we have to take the positives. As much as the interest remains in youngsters to join the sport, the talented local riders are keen to reach the international level but our platform is not strong enough to support them. The stage has come where we have to do our own groundwork today and make a better tomorrow for the younger generation,” Gayan said.
The RRU committee consists of experienced local figures in motorcycle racing. The new riders’ union hopes to address all departments of race riding with committees for each link. Haren Yatawaka has been elected as the president of the RRU.
(Pic by Sanka Vidanagama) |
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