Motorsports: Commando Challenge from October 3 to 5

“Motor racing is not a rich man’s sport, despite a strong belief it is, which is a misconception. This is wrong,” said Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers & Riders (SLARDAR) President, Nishan Wanniarachchi, at a press conference for the Commando Challenge, held at the Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre on September 13. 

“Motor races are very popular in Sri Lanka. There is a large amount of participants and an even larger following of the sport. Sadly, we have no international-level track. If we did, we could attract a host of foreign riders and drivers to take part in such events. This will also be a big fillip to the sport and bring much-needed foreign exchange into the country. 

“We are proud to be associated with the Commando Regiment (CR) of the Sri Lanka Army, for this unique event. It is exciting to see them utilise their vast experience and skills to put together such a different type of event for the motor enthusiasts. The merging of the Expedition and the Races will enable us to reach a wider segment of participants, while also giving them the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Sri Lanka in the process.” 

The Commando Challenge, a unique event organised by the CR, in collaboration with SLARDAR, combining an adventurous 3-day Expedition with a challenging SuperCross, will be held from October 3-5, with over 100 local riders and drivers in the fray. 

The Expedition is from October 3 to 5, while the Supercross will be on October 9. 

Once again supporting Motor Racing, CEAT Sri Lanka has come forward as the Principal Sponsor, which will be the 3rd Round of the ‘CEAT-SRI LANKA’ Super Series. 

The Expedition is an innovative concept carefully-designed to provide a driving challenge together with adventure across the distinctive geography of Sri Lanka. 

The route originates in Kandy and will pass through Wattegama, Sembuwatta, Loggal Oya, Mahiyangana, Soraborawewa, Maha Oya, Damana, Arugam Bay and terminate at Kuda Oya, covering a distance of approximately 566 km. 

Day-1 will cover 166 km from Kandy to Ulhitiya, Day-2 will be the drive from Ulhitiya to Arugam Bay covering 260 km and Day-3 will take the participants from Arugam Bay to the finish line at Uva Kuda Oya, a distance of 140 km. 

This event will be for sports utility vehicles with or without modifications, while participants are expected to be mostly from the corporate sector, together with adventure enthusiasts and some foreign entrants. 

The SuperCross will flag off on October 9, on a challenging 1.68 km racing track considered to be the longest and fastest in the country. 

Speaking at the launch, CR Col. Commandant, Brig. Ralf Nugera said, “The Commando Challenge will build upon the ‘commando’ experience and our newly-founded partnership with SLARDAR. The event has several objectives. We believe it will support the welfare and development of the CR, promote its adventure tourism capacities, boost off-road motor racing in Sri Lanka, and also bring economic opportunities to the people of Kuda Oya. Driving through the 4 Provinces- Western, Central, Eastern and Uva- participants will experience the rich diversity in terrain and climate of our beautiful island. The event has been created to unlock the spirit of adventure and challenge in a family-inclusive, safe environment. There will be a wide array of leisure activities for the whole family, including off-road driving, camping, sightseeing, fishing, photography, campfire, BBQ, cultural evenings and many more.” 

The SuperCross, under the theme “Commando Challenge”, once again designed under the guidance of the father of SuperCross racing in Sri Lanka, former SLARDAR President, Hans Ralf Karpinsky, has new features added to the track, in line with international Rally Cross Championship venues. The drivers will have a thrilling day of motor sports on October 9 at Uva Kuda Oya, Commando Training School Premises.