Motorsports: Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb on February 26

The Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb, the annual motorsports event organsied and conducted by the Southern Motor Sports Club (SMSC) for the 21st year, will be held on February 26. 

The Hill Climb will take place at Browns Hill in Matara, a picturesque small hill, in the midst of salubrious coastal environment of the South. 

The track lies in the pathway to the residence of the District Secretary (GA) of Matara, a 700-metre long track of winding stretches of narrow tarmac.

Known as the only outstation club, unremittingly affiliated to the Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS) since its inception in 1997, the SMSC plans to organise this event to perfection. 

The track preparation, safety standards, time keeping, vehicle recovery processes, competitor relations, etc. are expected to be met best standards available in Sri Lanka.

The Southern Eliyakanda Hill Climb track is a unique track, with four extremely tricky and challenging corners; the Single Tree Corner, Southern Corner, Residency Corner and Tower Corner, which the conquering requires high driving skills and perfect man-machine combination. 

This is the very reason for all well-known drivers in the country taking part in this event amidst a large number of spectators every year. 

Ace driver Darin Weerasinghe holds the course record for the Eliyakanda Hill Climb with a timing of 32.8 seconds which he established last year riding his Subaru WRX STI X 2000cc car. 

Sachira Rajakaruna riding a Yamaha YZ 250 recorded the best timing on two wheels (35.64 secs) last year.

This year’s event will have a practice day on February 25 and the following day main event will consist of 10 motor cycle and 24 motor car events. 

Scrutinizing of competition vehicles will commence at 7.30am.

The races will start at 9.00am and the price giving will be held at the Pearl Cliff Hotel, Browns Hill in Matara at 4.00pm.