The Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) the global body for motorcycle racing held a Workshop in Colombo early this month to enlighten meet marshals, track officials and meet stewards on how to fall in line and keep abreast with the latest requirements of safety and other technicalities connected to conducting a successful meet.
Interestingly the Workshop was held in association with local motorcycle racing officials from the Federation of Motorcycle Sports in Sri Lanka (FMSSL) in the aftermath of the Foxhill tragedy conducted by SLAS that claimed the lives of eight spectators.
The Sunday Observer caught up with the foreign experts from FIM, Mandeep Singh, Samir Suneja and Sujith Kumar as well as Shane Gunawardena (President- FMSSL) and Malinda Karangoda (Secretary-FMSSL) at the Workshop for an insight into their activities and how it will benefit Sri Lanka.
Over 60 personnel from Sri Lanka followed the workshop that FMSSL President Shane Gunawardena said was a huge impetus for motor racing in the island.
Excerpts of the interviews:
Q: Could you share your thoughts on the recent developments within the FMSSL under its new leadership?
Samir Suneja: The recent changes within the FMSSL have been incredibly positive. Under the new president, Shane Gunawardena, we have seen significant progress. His leadership has been instrumental in bringing FIM Asia trainers to Sri Lanka, which is a tremendous achievement for the country and the sport.
Q: How has the Director General (DG) of the Sports Ministry reacted to the performance of the FMSSL?
Sujith Kumar: The DG seems very positive about the performance of the new FMSSL leadership. The results speak volumes about the dedication and capability of the new team.
Q: Can you elaborate on the funding situation and the role of the FMSSL in securing resources for the sport?
Sujith Kumar: For the first time in 12 years, the FMSSL has managed to secure funding from FIM, the controlling body. This is a clear indication of the effectiveness and proactive approach of the current leadership.
Q: Tell us more about the marshal training session conducted by FIM Asia?
Samir Suneja: The enthusiasm at the recent training session was overwhelming. We had 63 participants from seven affiliated clubs and three non-affiliated clubs. The feedback from the participants has been incredibly positive; they expressed that the knowledge gained was immense. President Shane Gunawardena assured us that the training program will become an annual event. He emphasized that the Fox Hill scenario was an eye-opener and we must take every possible step to ensure safety in the future.
Q: What are the future plans and expectations for the FMSSL?
Samir Suneja: We expect continued growth and development. With the support of FIM and the strong leadership of President Shane Gunawardena, we are optimistic about further advancements in the sport and bringing a few Asian events to Sri Lanka.
Q: Shane I was told that the trainers also specialized in drag racing. Could you share your perspective on these developments?
Shane Gunawardena: Drag racing has always been a thrilling aspect of motorsport and there’s a renewed focus on enhancing its profile in Sri Lanka. Like Sujith and Samir, Mandeep has also been actively involved in officiating FIA and FIM events, including prestigious races like F1 and MotoGP. Our dedication to safety and training is particularly mandatory after looking at all the mishaps in racing. It’s exciting to see the potential for more high-caliber drag racing events in the future. The involvement of international trainers and the support from FIM are significant steps forward in elevating the sport to new heights.
Q: Malinda, I was told that you attended the secretaries’ meeting in Paris and the general assembly in the UK. Could you share your view on where we stand with development?
Malinda Karangoda: The FMSSL is dedicated to reviving and advancing motorsport in Sri Lanka. With strong leadership, international collaboration and a steadfast commitment to safety and excellence, the future of motorsport in Sri Lanka appears very promising. There is no need for the FMSSL to boast about its achievements. The Director General of the Sports Ministry is well aware of the significant progress made over the past twelve months. These efforts are expected to have a substantial impact on the country’s motorsport landscape.
Q: Sujith, before we conclude, is there anything else you’d like to share about the plans moving forward?
Sujith Kumar: Certainly. We have plans to hold the next FIM Asia board meeting in Sri Lanka, which is a significant opportunity for the country.
Additionally, with the help of Feroz Omar, owner of Proride, we are exploring the possibility of hosting a Tri-Nation event. Our bigger goal is to secure an Asian round of the championships here. Shane’s extensive experience is a huge advantage; he is the first Southeast Asian to take his sons to the Red Bull Rookies Cup in Spain.
His capacity, drive, and endurance are immense and we should make the most of his term to advance the sport significantly.
