FWDC Trophy, 2007
The first 4x4 event organized for 2007 FWDC Club Trophy was worked off at the Rivers Edge 4x4 Track-Kochchikade on the 25th February 2007. This event was organized by the FWDC with collaboration of the newly formed 4x4’s Club – Negambo.
This event featured for the first time in off-roading a drag race concept. Competitors had to race and overcome various obstacles parallel to one another. The track was designed with a divider to keep each competitor on their respectful track. The track approximately 700mtrs long had various aspects of off-roading designed into it. Mud Patches, V grooves, Bunny Hops, Climbs, etc. The feature obstacle on this track was a Log bridge that competitors had to cross. Once they cross over the bridge they had to go through some V grooves, Bunny hops and eventually pass underneath
the Log Bride once again to the finish line.
18 Competitors registered for the event where each of their vehicles were scrutinized for working seatbelts, 4x4 mechanism and recovery points (Tow hooks, etc). 16 Vehicles were passed by the scrutinizer for the event. First round of the race was timing and elimination, veterans such as Dasaman, Deepthi, Roshan, and Alain went up against novices Kumar, Amal, Ranjan for the qualifying round. 8 of the best timings were selected to qualify for the second round of races where once again the competitors had to race parallel to each other on the track. Selection of the track was done by the toss of the coin. The level of competition was stepped up a notch on the second round as each driver had to compete not to be eliminated, but as any sport there has to be a looser. The winners were selected to run the semifinals, out of the eight; four winners from the heats were selected for the semifinal round.
The semifinal round was worked off once again with; round 1 - Deepthi (Jeep Wrangler) against Dasaman (Landcruiser FJ-40), round 2 – Alain (Landcruiser BJ-40) against Roshan (Nissan Patrol). These races were a high adrenalin rush for the competitors as well as the spectators as the drivers pulled out all the tricks they had up their sleeves to win their respective heats to qualify for the finals. Round 1- winner Dasama Wijeysinghe, Round – 2 winner Alain Hertogs.
The Final round was a show down between two veteran drivers. Dasaman Wijeysinghe in his FJ-40 (Petrol) and Alain Hertogs in his BJ-40 (Diesel). Both competitors under the starters’ orders drove of simultaneously; this was a close battle between the two drivers. Dasaman in his FJ-40 had an advantage over Alain till the finish line as the FJ-40 has a straight 6 petrol engine pumping out torque against the diesel BJ-40. The final results for the day:
- Dasaman Wijeysinghe / Sanjaya Kariyawansa – driver / co-driver – winner
- Alain Hertogs / Janik Hertogs – driver / co-driver – 1st runner up
In overall the event was truly unique, for the first time drag racing being introduced to the 4x4 arena in the island. Every one gathered for the event had an enjoyable day at the races. All this was made possible by the 4x4’s Club and also with our valued sponsors Red Bull, Jeep and various other co sponsors. As all always these types of events cannot be a success without the competitors and the spectators who support the promotion of the sport in this country. The Four Wheel Drive Club is proud to be a pioneer in introducing these types of sporting events to this country. Our next fixture for the year 4x4 Fun Day – March 25th location will be announced.