Fox Hill Supercorss makes a comeback after five years
With over 270 entries already confirmed for the 28th edition of Fox Hill Supercross, the organisers, Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), Sri Lanka Military Academy and Sri Lanka Army Motorsport Club are optimistic of an eventful day on April 21 at the Fox Hill Circuit in Diyatalawa. Returning after a five-year sabbatical, the joint organisers are hopeful that their comeback event would be one that of memorable with standards being set higher than before.
Inaugurated in 1993, the Fox Hill Supercross comes a long way ever since and has gained status as ‘the’ motorsport event of the country. Held annually on a 2-kilometre gravel track that nestles amidst a vast pine plantation on a mountainous terrain within the Military Academy shooting range in Diyatalawa the event was last held in 2019, and has failed to reignite for the past five years.
But an adamant SLAS President, Ashhar Hameem and his team persuaded the officials of the military institution to revive the country’s much followed motorsport event, with extra professionalism and glamour.
“It was a humongous task, to revive this, virtual national event, after it was stalled for the past five years. There were many areas that needed to address, coming up to the point of holding the event finally,” Hameed stated.
As revealed by Commandant of the Military Academy and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Maj. Gen. Thushara Mahalekam, the track had to be fully restored on par with international standard, utilising manpower and machinery, under the observation by specialised experts.
“We had to work for months to rebuild the track, which was abandoned off motorsport activities for nearly five years. It was an uphill task, but with hard work and commitment of the experts and dedication from SLAS officials, we finally managed to revive the track to a state far better than earlier,” Maj. Gen. Mahalekam said.
With 150 and 120 entries in cars and bikes confirmed already, the 28th edition of Fox Hill Supercross is expected to include 24 events overall – 14 in cars and 10 in bikes. This will be the first time in its history that Fox Hill Cupercross has generated 150 entries in cars, which generally receives nearly 120. The country’s top drivers and riders are among the competitors this year around, where SLAS took the forefront to recover the event adding extra value.
“As the governing body in motorsports, SLAS initially arranged an interest free loan facility for Sri Lanka Army Military Academy to start off with groundwork. SLAS also guaranteed to intervene and mediate in generating sponsorships, with a specific target in mind. But I’m very pleased to say that we managed to double our initially target, and with all aspects falling in line, we can expect an event with elevated standards,” Hameem added.
The Fox Hill Supercross is conducted annually by Sri Lanka Military Academy to raise funds to elevate the infrastructure and training facilities of the Institute with the expectation of being on par with military academies in the region. Causeway Paints have come forward as title sponsor with a fleet of nearly 35 sponsors coming on board to support the comeback event.