Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Tuesday Nov 26, 2024
Monday, 11 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Manoeuvring 20 super stage obstacles that included water crossings, rock climbing, driving through V groves and an angled dam at the Extreme Class, the duo driving their Nissan Patrol, took the competition to a whole new level.
Having been out of the country for many years, Sam returned home in 2001. His interest in off road racing had been cultivated many years before but he experienced his first race in 2004 when Sri Lanka saw its very first 4x4 challenge take place in Habarana.
Choice of Nissan Patrol
Prompted by his friends, in early 2006 Sam came across his first Wrangler, which he used for the events up until 2012. In late 2012, hoping to increase his competency and looking for a better off road machine, Sam decided to opt for the Nissan Patrol. Many of his competitors had modified their vehicles to fit modern racing standards, and Sam was determined to keep up with the game.
Not everyone agreed with his choice of the Nissan Patrol. Some had doubts about the weight of the vehicle but Sam refutes this with the idea that with weight comes strength and power.
The Nissan Patrol can be modified to an incredible power to weight ratio, which most people do not attempt. However, Sam took up the challenge and has not looked back since. Today, he is the proud owner of six of these monsters.
Handy on racing tracks and circuits
Apart from off road racing, the Nissan Patrols under Sam’s care also come in handy on the racing tracks and circuits. Acting as recovery vehicles and tow trucks, Sam and his machines are constantly sought after by SLADA and other motor racing bodies.
As many people began to see and understand the value of the Nissan Patrol, Sam began to promote his chosen off road companion to his friends. Soon there were enough enthusiasts to inaugurate the Nissan Patrol Club of Sri Lanka in 2010.
Together with members of the club, Sam has also assisted in flood relief and other humanitarian operations around the island. The value and importance of the vehicle itself has increased over the years. 
According to Sam, “Buyers have now realised that the Nissan Patrol is not just a commercial vehicle but has proven its multi functional capabilities. As much as it is an off road vehicle, it also carries with it a prestige and reliability that is not found in others of its class.”
Power and performance
An ardent fan of Nissan Patrol since he began his 4x4-racing career six years ago, Sam attributes much of his success at many of the challenges his taken part in over the years, to the power and performance of the vehicle he relies on.
Commenting on the Nissan Patrol Sam states: “In 4x4 challenges what matters as much as the ability and team work of the driver and co-driver is the performance and specifications of the vehicle they drive. With the Nissan Patrol it not only has one of the most powerful engines for off 
road challenges but also has the mean look of a powerful machine.”
Nissan Patrol is imported and distributed in Sri Lanka by Associated Motorways Ltd. AMW has a long affiliation with the Nissan brand and are the trusted partners for other Nissan vehicles in the passenger cars, SUV, crossovers, pick-ups and commercial vehicle categories. The vehicle importer giant is known for its sale and after-sale service of models such as the Nissan Sunny, Xtrail, Civilian and the Patrol.
