The Lankan Onslaught for Global 4x4 Supremacy
The Lankan Onslaught for Global 4x4 Supremacy
The recently concluded “Taprobana 4x4 Challenge 2009” was the second leg of the Four Wheel Drive Club (FWDC) – Sri Lanka Championship program initiated by Rain Forest Challenge (RFC) Chief Luis J.A. Wee where he offered a free entry for the first place, 50 percent off the second place and 25 percent off for the third. The program was headed by 2008 RFC Sri Lanka Team, Sean Hameed & Rushiran Silva. The duo that finished 11th overall in the 2008 event and being mostly in the organising quarters of 4x4 events locally are confident that Sri Lanka has the potential to be in the top in the international 4x4 arena.
The Championship was kicked off in June 2009 at MAS Fabric Park 4x4 track by the RFC Chief himself. He was highly confident that the Lankan’s were capable of tackling the 10 day ordeal in the monsoon rains as he saw how the event unfolded. He commented that “The Sri Lanka 4x4 scene has grown so rapidly, to a such standard within a short period of five years that took us 10 years to achieve”. Sri Lanka’s potential to be in the international circuit of off road sports was confirmed by RFC chief who successfully launched another Summer RFC destination at Sanya City, Hainan Island in China. The second round of the Championship gained momentum with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions endorsing as “A unique event concept” and with the support given by Deputy Minister Hon. Neomal Perera , Courtesy to him, the event was executed flawlessly in beautiful Puttlam District with a fitting finish in Kalpitiya.
The Champions to emerge from the program are Ravindra Ratnasiri & Co Driver Harsha Kumara in their Jeep CJ in 2nd Runners up position, 1st Runners up Suresh Chathuranga & Co Driver Ravindra Sanjeewa in their Land Rover and a comprehensive win by two time RFC participant team Indika Sanjaya & Co Driver Naveen Marapana also in their Land Rover. All three teams deserve to be at the start line of RFC 2009 in Johor, Malaysia where they were subject to Eight Special Stages (SS) during the first leg “4x4 Jamboree” held at Thulhiriya and 16 SSs in the “Taprobana 4x4 Challenge” event. All 24 SS’s of unforgiving high intensity terrain that emulate the tough RFC conditions were squeezed within four days where as RFC is held over ten days.
Through the Championship program, The FWDC will undertake the cost of the team’s air tickets and the container charges to transport vehicles to and back from Malaysia. This feat was achieved only via the support of the sponsors of both the championship events. The events were done with budgets setting aside to get only the Champion Sri Lankan team to RFC. However, the FWDC now plans to stretch the budget to get all three teams to the start line thus giving the best possible chance for Sri Lanka to have a shot at the podium.
RFC Chief waived off a further 25 percent to the third team entry fee as a first step to encourage the Sri Lankan camp. GAC Logistics has already stretched their sponsorship and will make arrangements to accommodate all three short wheel based vehicles. FWDC will further explore in seeking sponsors to meet the shortfall of entry fees, air tickets etc.
“This year Sri Lanka has its best chances of making a mark in the international 4x4 scene. Our participation last year at the RFC got the attention of many; importantly the chief of RFC. RFC is the proving ground for 4x4 sports’ global players and good performances create the initial curiosity for our country and then great performances will bring them here to challenge our terrain. Our participation this year in China and India has made in roads for International participation where two Indians Teams took part in this year’s Taprobana 4x4 Challenge. I am confident our Lankan’s with three teams going into RFC will turn many heads with their roaring fighting spirit” claimed Sean Hameed who will be managing “Team Sri Lanka”.
A special spectator package is also organised exclusively for “Team Sri Lanka” supporters to follow the team throughout the event till the awards ceremony for all 14 days including hotel transfers, camping gear, campsite aides and with specially prepared 4x4’s to drive through the tough transport stages. The rain drenched ten days will take its toll on man and machine and a Lankan cheering squad is always a welcome morale booster especially when you are competing in a foreign land. For more details on the spectator package, log on to www.4x4.lk and find details in the RFC 2009 section.
The building blocks of the Championship this year was certainly the Sponsors who supported the vision for the long term benefit for Sri Lanka tourism, in a period that is economically impossible to stretch beyond set budgets. Compass Synergies who are promoting Sri Lankan Tourism in niche sectors and enabling the local 4x4 sport to be recognized internationally. Toyota Lanka Ltd, a brand that has been supportive of the sport from its inception. Mobil Lubricants have been with the sport and in the 4x4 engines, Elephant Reach Hotel, hospitality partner who supports the sportsmanship in the game. Wurth Lanka, the assembly professionals that enable the 4x4’s to venture any terrain, Isotonic Lime Blast, a secret weapon that keeps one rehydrated, Reborn T-Shirts that bring out the patriotism, Victory Leaf Springs, built tough for Lankan roads, GAC Logistics, a logistic partner with an unmatched efficiency and the international Sponsors DBA Rotors, Performance Brake discs & Dobinsons Suspension Components. Media coverage by REAL Radio has been the spring board for 4x4 championship where their most listeners and 4x4 share common interests. Thanks to REAL, the real world of 4x4 was brought to 4x4 enthusiasts via their promotions and their direct on site updates. Motor Magazine also has been the oldest and a vital link for the 4x4 sport.
The Rain Forest Challenge is set to kick off on the 5th of December in Johor, Malaysia and finish on 14th December. The progress of “Team Sri Lanka” will be updated on www.4x4.lk. For more information on RFC, contact Sean 0777-722588 or Rushiran 0777-518220.
(INSET) Message from “Team India” about Taprobana 4x4 Challenge 2009
Dear FWDC,
Back home after a great trip to Sri Lanka. Thanks for everything . The Indian team had such a great time so much fun and loved the Sri Lankan hospitality.
The event was just fantastic, tough on man and machine. The river crossings, the steep climbs, the obstacles you had set out with such knack were amazing. I must compliment you on your ability to seek out and spot such tough (yet doable) special stages (SS). Each and every SS was very well planned and tried the skills of the drivers.
The Sri Lankans are very good drivers and really tough. Indika Sanjaya’s driving was a pleasure to watch. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. Wish him well in the Rain Forest challenge this year.
The event was set in such splendid surroundings. Infact how do you manage to do that? Truly great locations and it was fun staying out in the jungle in our tents , bathing in the river setting up camp fires and eating al fresco was just amazing. No words enough to describe our experience .
The marshals were all great guys – You are the best !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sean, Dharshan , Prashan ,Rushi , Amal , Ramesh , Warner, Ajit , Anton and many more – Glad we met you guys…. Thanks , you made us feel at home.
Warm Regards
Sanjay David, Ragav & Kaushik - The Indian Team