Record-holder Rohan predicts records will tumble

Mahagastota Hill Climb 2013

The Ceylon Motor Sports organised Kahagastota Hill Climb this year will be the 79th edition, scheduled for 7 April. The event which was first organised by Ceylon Motor Sports Club way back in 1934 has been continuously held in Nuwara Eliya along the track running through the Mahagastota Estate.

The event has also seen motor racing fans gather in large numbers to witness this grand event during the April holiday season, where all leading drivers and rider come in large numbers to compete for glory in Hill Climb.

This year the organisers expect many records to be lowered during the event which will see most of the drivers and riders who with modernised machines in their hold. In addition to this they will be get the opportunity of using a new surface.

Veteran driver and the course record holder plus record holder for the modified Formula cars, Ford Formula 1600cc  cars and Formula 1300cc Cars, Rohan de Silva too is of the view that his records may well be lowered by the present day drivers who are eagerly waiting this great opportunity based on the superb, improvement of the track conditions.

De Silva has set the fastest time on this track in 2004 driving his Modified Ford Formula 1600cc clocking 35.70 seconds. Subsequently, it was Nishan Weerasuriya was placed as the second fastest driver clocking 35.573 seconds. These records were confirmed by the Ceylon Motor Sports Club, the organisers of the event.

According to Rohan, who has made trip to have a good look at the refurbished track, it is sure to see new records set during this season as the track is well suited for the fast driving. He also says driving and riding on a carpeted surface is thrilling for both drivers and riders. They are experiencing this sort of surface for a hill climb for the first time in Sri Lanka, thanks to CMSC.

He further added that he would have to touch the maximum possible if he is to keep the record under his belt, but adds that with young talent added with new machines the youngsters are sure to go flat out to establish new records in all different classes which will be a challenge.

The super cars with around 400/5000 BHP and four wheel drive will certainly have an advantage over the formula cars which has around 180 BHP. However, the Formula cars are much lighter than the super cars. Hence there is a matching advantage too, leaving it all up to skill!

The organisers have done a good job in refurbishing the track laying a good tarmac and side railings for safety which will be of immense value to the drivers and riders. Even the few corners have been done well for competitors to use their skills to the maximum and to touch greater speeds. With these renovations, he predicts a great hill climb and top class competition at this year’s Mahagastota.