Sri-Lanka’s premier night motor racing under lights was held on Saturday 18th December 2004 at the beautiful Pannala International race track.

The organizers had spared no expense and efforts in ensuring that this event was going to be a success and that’s exactly what was achieved.

The turnout by both the spectators and participants was very impressive with the participants of all categories having their work cut out and the spectators getting all the thrills they possibly could get from an event of this nature.

Every single race category was closely fought to the bitter end with drivers from the lower end of the grid to those in the front showing that they had the skills and talent not only to compete locally, but also in international arenas.

Also very encouraging to see was the participation of the fairer sex in this so called “man’s sport”. Whilst in other countries women in motor sports is very common, Sri-Lanka is still at an infant stage, but with women beginning to enter into this sport, we hope to see more and more “sisters” being given the necessary encouragement to try their skills by entering the world of motor sports.

The organizers should be commended for being forthcoming in trying to bring the “dragsters” into the mainstream of motor sports. Though no dicing down the main straight was done on this night, the display of street wise cars was very impressive with their efforts being rewarded in various categories such as best body kit, best sound system, and best interior. Hopefully we will get to see formal night time drags in the near future.

The only worrisome part of the entire event was the general public having access to the track once the main event was over. This should not have been allowed and should be avoided in future events as this can be very dangerous, bringing disrepute to this wonderful facility and also the efforts of the organizers.

As for the main event it self, no matter what the critics may say, Speed@nite 2004 was certainly a success as far as we are concerned and hope that many more such events will take place in time to come.

Author -Duncan Udawatta,
TeamAutolanka.
[email protected]