CEAT and SLARDAR crown country’s racing stars

Tuesday, 11 December 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s motor racing calendar for 2012 came to a dramatic and colourful close when the country’s top two drivers and riders were crowned in gala style at the CEAT-SLARDAR Championship awards night.

In honour of their hi-octane performances during the season, the most prestigious awards of the night the ‘Championship awards’ were presented to the drivers Dinesh Deheregoda winner of the SLGT Super Car event and Ashan Silva (SL H 1600), and to riders Gayan Sandaruwan (MX Racing up to 250cc) and Jacques Gunawardena (MX Racing up to 85cc) the Under 16 champion.

Team Championship awards were presented to Upulwan Serasinghe and Ashan Silva, representing Team Daredevils.

The glitzy event held this year at the Golden Rose Ballroom, Boralesgamuwa and was supported by the top tyre maker CEAT Kelani Holdings in its role as title sponsor, for the third consecutive year.

A total of 19 awards, covering diverse categories were presented in respect of winning performances at race meets conducted throughout the year by the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR). Winners of supporting events were also honoured in 13 categories.

The award winners were, Lahiru Jeewantha, Suraj Perera, Udika Srimal Malavige, Shavindu Shenal, Hasindu De S. Gunasekera, Binula Kithalagama, M.G.S. Sampath Kumara, Shehan C. Adhikari, Upulwan Serasinghe (two awards), Harsha Panduwawela, Shashika Lakmal Wijayarathne and Dinesh Senanayake.

CEAT SLARDAR 1000 Rally 2012 winners: Samin Attanayake and Co Driver Rahal Uduwita were also recognised for their performance.

The 2012 CEAT SLARDAR Championship awards night was graced by Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya.

Managing Director and CEO of CEAT Kelani Holdings Tanmay Agarwal, in his address at the event said: “CEAT Kelani Holdings had been at the forefront of product innovation and development in the country with a range of technologically advanced, international quality new tyres being made available competitively every year. Our new high end CEAT Milaze and the recently introduced CEAT CZAR range of tyres have been a part of the winning vehicles in these races which culminate today. Manoeuvrability, grip and comfort achieved using various advanced compounds will continue to inspire confidence and safety among the racers who have won today and our many customers who use the ‘CEAT’ brand.”

“CEAT is a global tyre brand whose credentials are built on performance and highest standards of quality and customer service. We at CEAT Kelani Holdings are honoured and proud to be associated with SLARDAR to take motor racing in Sri Lanka to an even higher plane, as we continue to build market share in this country.”

He said CEAT Kelani’s support to motor racing also strengthens the relationships that the company has developed with the Sri Lanka Army and Air Force, two institutions which are responsible for organising many racing events in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the event, SLARDAR President Mahes Gammampila said, “CEAT’s support to motor racing in Sri Lanka has had a catalytic impact in terms of raising the profile of the sport and attracting more competitors. It has also been a source of encouragement for our drivers and riders. SLARDAR is most appreciative of the role that CEAT has played in the development of motor racing in our country.”