Katukurunda 2002. 24th
February 2.45pm. Pole Position Dinesh Deheragoda, 2nd Aravinda Premadasa,
3rd Nalin Dilpriya. We knew that this race would be a Repeat Telecast of
SLAMS 2001. All WRX fans kept there fingers crossed as they knew that it
was either Aravinda Premadasa or Nalin Dilpriya who would try to keep in
par with the Evo's.
All Evo fans were with high spirits as they knew that they had two great
machines running on this Race. The Super Fast Evo 6 GT of Dilantha
Malagamuwa & the All new Evo VII RS of Dinesh Deheragoda
Engines were
Revving and the Take off was Smooth. Leading Dinesh Deheragoda, 2nd
Aravinda Premadasa. 3rd Nalin Dilpriya. But it was Dilantha Malagamuwa (
Evo 6 GT ) who made the fastest gain. Just before the First bend he went
from Last to third. His Anti-lag gave him enough power to beat the Hell
out of All the Cars. But his luck was short. At the first bend he did a
360 degree turn. Luckily Nalin Saw him. He turned towards the grass at
180 km/h. Rizvi Farouk took the other side. It was a Near Miss. All the
Cars flew Past Dilantha Malagamuwa as he took sometime to return to the
track. He was last again.
Now the fight
was between Dinesh Deheragoda and Aravinda Premadasa. On the straight
Dinesh was pulling, but in the corners Aravinda Skillfully gained through
Late Braking. I should admit that Aravinda's Driving was the best I have
ever seen. He was so confident in the corners. He was closing the Gap
between the Evo VII like a cheetah pouncing on its pray. All Wrx fans
knew this was it. Evo fans were all silent. But they had some hope !!!.
Dilantha Malagamuwa was gaining on the cars like hell. From last he went
to fourth in just 2 laps. His car was moving so fast that Evo Fans were a
bit relaxed, but tables turned as Dilantha Malagamuwas Evo 6 GT caught
Fire due to a heated Oil Cooler. He was out of the race.
Next game was by Rizvi Farouk. His driving in the Honda Vtec made people
think twice as he unleashed an all out war against the Evo's. Nalin
Dilpriya, Mansoor Hassen & Dinesh Sennanayake tried their best but Rizvi
drove the Vtec like a Mcleren F1 skillfully taking bends with ease just
as if it was a 4 wheel drive. Most of the time he was driving on the two
right tires. He could not have pushed his Vtec above 9000 rpm as the
temperature gauge was in the Red Zone or else he would have just been few
feet away from Dineshes and Aravindas cars.
Now let us return to the first two competitors. Dinesh & Aravinda.
Aravinda was kissing the rear of the Evo VII all the way to the 6 Lap. He
took off Dineshs rear bumper at the goose neck. At the start of the 7th
lap it was the worst nightmare for the Evolution Fans. Aravinda Overtook
Dinesh. And the Crowds started shouting. I was near the Mobil Formula
Drivers who just got up to say " Aravinda Get Him !!!" I was so surprised
that I forgot to take some good pictures after that. From the 10 Lap
onwards Aravinda had a clear lead. This continued until the 13th Lap. Now
Dinesh was gaining slowly. In the 15th Lap just after passing goose neck
Dinesh overtook Aravinda at such a speed that I could not believe my
Eyes. Winner was Dinesh Deheragoda, 2nd Aravinda Premadasa 3rd Rizvi
Farouk.
Dinesh Had more power in the car even without running on Anti-Lag. This
could be clearly seen from the paddock area. In straight the Evo VII just
pulled forward, but it was Aravinda's Driving which made the race the
most thrilling for any Motor Sports Lover. But all the Fans missed a
great show from Dilantha Malagamuwa. I hope he has better Luck Next time
!!!
Carmen Thenuwara Completed the race But had Transmission Problem. Mansoor
Hassen Retired Due Extensive Damages to the Tire.Dan Dissanayke Retired
Due Extensive Damages to the Tire.Dilantha Malagamuwa retired due the
fire in the Right Oil Cooler
Source -kandyroad
