‘Speed Runs’ an incredible E-racing experience for Esport enthusiasts takes off next Saturday

Monday, 6 January 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Text and pix by P.D. De Silva

Esports and motor racing enthusiasts in Sri Lanka would be able to experience the challenge and excitement of driving the powerful Mercedes Benz GT 3 on a simulator when the countries first ever Esport Championship ‘Speed Runs’ takes off next Saturday at Sanaya Mansion Hotel in Matara as part of the members day celebrations of the Southern Motor Sports Club.

‘Speed Runs’ Organising Committee Chairman Sheran Cooke and Mandarin Reid Managing Director Prashad Subramaniam – the organisers of ‘Speed Runs’

“Speed Runs is all set to conquer the country,” said Mandarin Reid Ltd. Managing Director Prashad Subramaniam who together with the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC) are introducing the Esport experience to Sri Lanka.

The qualifying rounds for Sri Lanka’s ‘Speed Runs’ championship will be held in Matara (January), Colombo (February), Kandy (March) and Jaffna (April) after which the two competitors who record the fastest times at the four qualifying rounds will compete at the final which is to be held in Colombo in May.

If the local champion registers a time within the world speed thresh hold he or she will have the opportunity to compete against the fastest from around the world at the Speed Runs World Championship 2020.

Subramaniam added that Esport is rapidly making its way to the forefront of sports both globally and locally. The steady growth has distinguished Esports as a separate entity and with the increase of high intensity sporting tournaments. In 2019 there were 201.2 million recognised Esport enthusiasts around the globe while the Esport audience had grown to 453.8 million. It was expected that the Esports to have an audience of 645 million globally by 2022.

Ceylon Motor Sports Club Member and ‘Speed Runs’ Organising Committee Chairman Sheran Cooke said that 10 simulators of the Mercedes Benz GT 3 which cost around Rs. 1.5 million each have been imported and competitors will experience negotiating the Suzuka International Racing Circuit. “Anyone over eight years can enter for the championship,” he added.