Four Wheel Drive Club of Sri Lanka

An unprecedented move was inevitable to cancel the NELC 4x4 Event officially due to lack of sponsors and a lack of commitment by competitors for this year's event.

This event was initiated by the FWDC in 2005 by signing a MOU with the Nuwara Eliya Motor Racing Club (NEM) under the purview of his worship the Mayor of Nuwara Eliya.  The financial burden of developing the track was borne by the FWDC throughout the years, and contributions were made towards the club development fund of the NEM and the Mayors fund from the event proceeds.

The NELC is the single event in the FWDC calendar which is of highest cost and requires a monumental logistical operation. NEM being a Motorcycle club is limited with its resources, and 95% work has to be done from Colombo by the FWDC. This year this event being earmarked for a championship event, the FWDC has stepped up its marshalling level to an international standard, and the current conditions falls well short of pulling off such an event.

This is a huge disappointment for the 4x4 fans and for some of the hardcore 4x4 contenders. FWDC is looking into the possibility of looking at an alternate location in Nuwara Eliya, which is a private property, where the fixed costs are considerably low, and an alternate date after the peak rush is off.

It is an irony that despite the 4x4 event drawing the largest crowd during the season, events such as the Motorcycle race, Road Race and Horse races go through their motions with higher priority. It is hoped that the 4x4 sport will be considered as a unique form of motor sport and someday it will have the priority it deserves.