Racing in the Mountains of Nuwara Eliya was as exciting as some of the country’s elite motor cross riders challenged each other for the ‘King of the Mountain’ title for the year 2019 on this day.
A large number of former and current national champions arrived at Nuwara Eliya, namely Buddika Kasun Silva, Ishan Dassanayake, Rumesha Buultjens, Sameera Premaratna and Lahiru Jeewantha. But it was the MELWA rider Jacques Gunawardena on his KTM sponsored 250 who was crowned the King of the Mountain.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe was present as the chief guest and Minister of Sports Harin Fernando as guest of honour as the venue was selected for the opening round of the 2019 national championship. This MX track was upgraded and developed to international standard by the president of Nuwara Eliya Motor Racing Club Ujitha Samarawickrema.
Besides Jacques Gunawardena winning the three major events for the day, others to excel on this day were Imal Manchanayake winning the two Super Motard events and junior riders N.M. Imansa, Ravindra Ratnayake, Irosh Sumanasekera and Tharuka Rumesh winning their respective events in the junior category. Sameera Premaratna, Evon Gurusinghe and Madura Peiris won their respective national championship events.
Results:
Junior MX 50cc under 9: 1. N. K. Imasha, 2.B. M. Sandaru Himansha, 3. L P T Anuhas, Junior MX Racing under 12 (65cc): 1. Rivindha Ratnayake, 2. Dineth Mihiranga, 3. Minuka Ratnayake, Junior MX Racing under 12 (85cc):
1. Irosh Sumanasekara, 2. Dineth Mihiranga, 3. Rivindha Ratnayake,unior MX Racing 85 cc under 15: 1. Thauruka Rumesh, 2. I. S. Weerakoon, 3. Ayon Perera
Supermotard Open Race 1:1. Imal Manchanayeka, 2. Yohan Rajith Silva, 3. H.M. Dilip Kumara, Supermotard Open Race 1: 1. Imal Manchanayake 2. Yohan Rajith Silva, 3. Deshan Solonki, MX Racing 125cc: 1. Sameera Premaratna, 2. Lahiru Jeewantha, 3. Buddika Silva, Standard Modified 125 cc: 1. Madura Peiris, 2. Nihal Wijeratna, 3. Ashen Shenara, Standard Modified 250 cc Race 1:1. Evon Gurusinghe, 2. Shanuka Jayana, 3. Lahiru Jeewantha, Standard Modified 250 cc Race 2: 1. Evon Gurusinghe, 2. Shanuka Jayamaha, 3. Lahiru Jeewantha, MX Racing 250 cc Race 1: 1. Jacques Gunawardena, 2. Ishan Dassanayake, 3. Evon Gurusinghe, MX Racing 250 cc Race 2: 1. Jacques Gunawardena, 2. Ishan Dassanayake, 3. Evon Gurusinghe, MX Racing Open: 1. Jacques Gunawardena, 2. Ishan Dassanayake, 3. Rumesha Buultjens(BP)