‘Motul’ powered champion Abeeth speaks

Abeeth Dangalla who made a strong comeback to become the champion driver at the Rotherham Circuit Meet, the penultimate event for the CEAT/SLARDAR Championship 2012 gave a brief interview to the media discussing his recent achievement and passion for the sport.

Dangalla won both events of the SL-GT 3500cc Class which was organised by the Sri Lanka Air Force and conducted by Sri Lanka Association for Racing Drivers and Riders.

Following are excerpts from the interview

Q: What have you got to say about your victory?

A: I entered the event with a set plan and was highly confident and this resulted in my victories, of which I am truly happy. My morale was very high on this day.

Q: How did you feel about having to start from the back of the grid?

A: It was rather unfortunate but this occurred due to a few problems that cropped up in my vehicles the previous day which resulted in me skipping the time trials. However I managed to get the vehicle ready thanks to my technical staff who worked late into the night. Starting from back of the grid was a real challenge as there were some 17 drivers ahead of me and I had to do my very best within eight laps. Mentally I was in good shape and that I believe really helped me win.

Q: Did you have a special plan to win the event?

A: I knew that speed alone will not bring me victory. So I premeditated to use speed and race tactics intelligently in a balanced manner to get past other drivers and to grab the chequered flag at the finish line.

Q: Motor Sports is considered an expensive sport. How did you manage to enter this sport?

A: In the local scene there are few sponsors to support drivers. For my luck Dynamic Motors Limited, authorised distributor for Motul came forward to support my racing. Motul is one of the best lubricants available in the island for race cars.

In addition to Motul Lubricants I also received assistance from Kings Rent a Car who managed the transportation of my vehicles to race tracks.

Q: Do you need many lubricants for the type of vehicle you drive?

A: Yes. This type of car, when used for racing needs seven varieties of lubricants as it has a high powered engine. My sponsor Motul supplies all such needs for my vehicle. Motul 300V Motor sport line needs a special mention as it has helped me race in comfort and confidence.

Q: Do you have plans to compete outside Sri Lanka?

A: In the past I did not consider competing outside the country. However Dilantha Malagamuwa who saw my driving on many occasions invited me to join his team and to compete abroad. I am now considering the idea.

Q: You are usually full of praise of Malagamuwa...

A: He was the man who brought me to the motor racing field. I am thankful to him. I hope to participate in an international championship by the end of the year and I am confident of his support if I make it to the international arena. Malagamuwa is my mentor.

Q: Motor Sports is also considered a dangerous sport. What are your thoughts on this?

A: Yes, it is. In fact I did not get the consent from my family at the initial stages of my career. However due to the availability of safety equipments, the danger of the sport has decreased to a certain level. If used correctly, the sport is challenging but safe.

Q: You had a nasty accident on this circuit

A: Yes and I had to undergo many hardships due to that. Though the accident was a major one, I was able to pass through with lower damage than I thought due to the proper use of the safety kit. I am however still nursing a minor neck injury as a result of it.

Q: What would you say is the happiest moment in your life?

A: Winning the SLARDAR Championship for 1600cc in the year 2006 and the National Championship in 2007 for the same category.

Q: When did you start racing?

A: I started in 1999 in local meets organised by various clubs and organisations.

Q: You were missing from track for some time; why is that?

A: I left for Australia to continue my studies. I also competed in selected events, which is why I was not seen for a few years on the local tracks.