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Drag racing gather momentum
By M. Shamil Amit
The MRA Red Bull Drag 2005 event concluded at the Katukurunda Air Strip saw some emerging drivers and riders who could make their mark in time to come. The event specially conducted for those who have regular weekend street racing which the Police say is illegal came to an end with immense success.
This being the third drag racing event held in Colombo and the second at Katukurunda was for the first time held under rules and regulations set by the organizers. Though in some events the participation was limited to just two cars, it did not dampen the interest of the meet.

The races run over a distance of 400metres and fought out by two at a time. The first competitor to cross the finish line was the winner. If there are more than three in an event the winner is compelled to have run visa versa to become the champion. In case there is only two for an event the winner is decided after three contests.

The scheduled 19 events, 17 motor cars and two motorcycles to be held for the day were delayed due to a shower with the meet being held only at 10.00 a.m. from the scheduled 9.00 a.m. Most of the cars seen at the usual popular racing meets were seen.

The Mini. Nissan March, Ford Laser/Mazda, Diesel Jeeps, BMW, Mitsubishi Evo's and many more were there but the only difference was it was fought out by two competitors. The thrills and spills were there too with some of the events ending in photo finishes and had to be re run.

Dinesh Deheragoda as usual won his event but not in his pet Super car event it was for SLN Cars upto 1050 in a new model named Perodua Kelisa a newly produced car from Malaysia. Zakie Ismail piped his opponent at the post in the Group Drag upto 3500cc event.

Of the new drivers Dilan Seneviratne was most impressing as he took the Group SLN 8-10 kg/hp in style. He won all his rounds before winning. Veteran Anthony Trenchell showed he too is good in the sprint version when won the Group SLN T & J Diesel upto 3000cc event.

Susantha Gunawardena completed a double when he took the Ford Laser/Mazda and SLN upto 1400cc events. Others to win were Siddid Farook Shanthilal Abeyratne another veteran driver, W.M.K. Wickramasinghe, S.A. NIshani, Dulith Senanayake, Tharindu Lokuge, Sacha Peiris, Indu Samarakoon, Tharindu Meepagama and Sarath Pathirage.

Chaly cycles were given a chance to show their class which was won by Yehan Kodikara while the only other motorcycle event for STD Motorcycles 4 Stroke up 250cc was won by Priyankara Fernando which incidentally had the most number of competitors of ten riders for the day.

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