Ashan, Pramuka shine in Katukurunda

Champion driver Ashan Silva and the new sensation Pramuka Sesath de Silva set the track on fire with their outstanding capabilities as the first round of the AMRC-SLARDAR Tarmac Championship concluded on a high note at the Katukurunda Air Force Base. 

Ashan Silva, one of the most outstanding drivers in the local racing scene, secured both supercar events, the SL GT Cars Up to 3500 CC Race one and two, the two events which steal most of the attraction during any motor racing event. 

In the first of two races, organisers had to go for a restart as Ushan Perera met with an unfortunate accident at the first lap when he went sliding into the sandbags and tyres at the gooseneck. After the restart Ashan Silva lead in front but Darin Weerasinghe was right behind him throughout the event. However, Ashan used his experience to not to give Darin any chances and flagged the number one position ahead of Darin and Abeeth Dangalla who settled into second and third positions respectively.

In the second leg of the super car event too Ashan Silva stayed in front comfortably and managed to maintain a healthy lead ahead of all the others to secure the Champion Driver status. Dilan Seneviratne and Darin battled out for the second and third places but Darin proved himself a better driver.  

Pramuka Sesath De Silva overcame much-fancied Maduranga Caldera in both of the Group – M Standard / Modified Motorcycles Open Over 250 CC races to be crowned champion rider of inaugural edition of the Tarmac Championship. Caldera, who had a fine record at the Katukurunda track, had to be satisfied with the second place on both of the occasions. 

Shoel Daniel also recorded two wins while he was also ahead of Caldera in the Group – M Std./Mod. Motorcycles 600 CC (4T) event. Caldera finished third while the second place was won by Sriyantha Anuradha. Daniel also went on to win the Group – M Std./Mod. Mototrcycles Over 175 CC Up to 250 CC (4T) event. 

Female driver Shehara Jayawardhene cruised to victory in the SL S Cars up to 1350cc and finished second behind seasoned campaigner Sajaad Zuhair in the Honda V-Tec race, which is a championship event. 

The second edition of the championship will take off at Pannala on 26 July.