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Friday, 9 March 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Leading tyre brand Maxxis has announced a multi-pronged approach to boost Sri Lankan motorsports with the announcement of circuit and rally championships Ashan Silva, Shafraz Junaid and Akhry Ameer as its Brand Ambassadors for 2018 along with support for SLARDAR championships and organisation of a 4x4 off-road championships series.
Maxxis Sri Lanka revealed its grand initiative amongst the gathering of its agents and dealers from around the island at a glittering Dealer Awards Night held at the Cinnamon Grand in Colombo on Saturday 3 March. The announcement was made in the presence of Maxxis International Vice President Lenny H.K. Leed and other international officials who graced the occasion.
Rally champions driver Shafraz Junaid and co-driver Akhry Ameer have been sporting Maxxis tyres and projecting its brand since 2016 at both local and international rally events with the hallmark of emerging 2nd Runners-up at the Asia Pacific Rally Championships – Rally of Chikmagalur, India last December. The duo will support the brand this year with participation in international and local rallies.
Tarmac and gravel circuit specialist and champion Ashan Silva was the recent addition to the sport the Maxxis brand at local events. Ashan who has earned a name in local circuit racing as a leading title contender, is also credited with successes in the Malaysian and Dubai racing circuits.
In addition to the brand ambassador initiative, Maxxis Sri Lanka has also announced an impressive sponsorship package of cars for the motorcycle and car category overall champions of series of events to be conducted one of the oldest and largest motor racing clubs in the country – the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR). SLARDAR conducts a comprehensive calendar of motor racing events around the country throughout the year.
Yet another popular segment of the motor racing community will also benefit with the organization of the Maxxis 4x4 off-road championships. This segment will be supported with selected events organized by leading 4WD clubs and Maxxis Sri Lanka in itself.
“We have chosen a varied approach identifying the needs of the racing community and our brand promotion requirements. Our brand ambassadors Shafraz, Akhry and Ashan are not merely potential winners, but are disciplined individuals who as competitors give back something to raise the bar of local motorsports be it in knowledge transfer in organising events or competitive skills. SLARDAR has also been consistent with events and is committed to recognising performance while the 4x4 events is hugely popular and is somewhat starved of sponsorship support,” said Gayan Fonseka, Director of Tyre House, representatives of Maxxis on the ethos of their promotional approach.
Maxxis will also be extending support by ensuring availability of racing quality tires required by the drivers for gravel and 4x4 events. This is an aspect competitors have been facing difficulty having to individually import tires at higher costs. Fonseka explained that although the quantity required for Sri Lanka racing requirements does not justify commercial viability, Maxxis would be making a conscious effort to ensure stock at reasonable prices for drivers.
Maxxis tyres are marketed by Tyre House Group with an extensive dealer network across the country.
