The Commando Challenge, a unique event organised by the Commando Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR), combining an adventurous 3-day expedition with a challenging supercross is set to be worked off in October this year. The expedition is to be carried out from 3rd to 5th October while the supercross will take place on 9th October 2016. Once again supporting !Motor Racing, CEAT Sri Lanka has come forward as the Principal Sponsor and this will be the 3rd Round of the "CEAT - SRI LANKA" Super Series.
The expedition is an innovative concept carefully-designed to provide a driving challenge along with adventure across the distinctive geography of Sri Lanka. The route originates in Kandy and passes through Wattegama, Sembuwatta, Loggal Oya, Mahiyangana, Soraborawewa, Maha Oya, Damana, Arugam Bay and terminates at Kuda Oya, covering a distance of approximately 566 Km. Day 1 will cover the 166km from Kandy to Ulhitiya, Day 2 will be the drive from Ulhitiya to Arugam Bay covering 260km and Day 3 will take the participants from Arugam Bay to the finish line at Uva Kuda Oya, a distance of 140km. This event will be for sports utility vehicles with or without modifications while participants are expected to be mostly from the corporate sector together with adventure enthusiasts and some foreign entrants. The Supercross is set to be flagged off on 9th October 2016 on a challenging 1.68km racing track – tipped to be the longest and fastest in the country.
Speaking at the launch event, Brig. Ralf Nugera, Col. Commandant of Commando Regiment stated, “The Commando Challenge will build upon the ‘commando’ experience and our newly-founded partnership with SLARDAR. The event has several objectives. We believe it will support the welfare and development of the Commando Regiment, promote commando regiment adventure tourism capacities, boost off-road motor racing in Sri Lanka and also bring economic opportunities to the people living in Kuda Oya. Driving through the four provinces - Western, Central, Eastern and Uva Province - participants will experience the rich diversity in terrain and weather of our beautiful island. The event has been created to unlock the spirit of adventure and challenge in a family-inclusive, safe environment. There will be a wide array of leisure activities for the whole family including off-road driving, camping, sightseeing, fishing, photography, camp fire, BBQ, cultural evenings and many more.”
Addressing the gathering, Nishan Wasalathanthri - President of SLARDAR stated, “We are proud to be associated with the Commando Regiment for this unique event. It is exciting to see them utilise their vast experience and skills to put together such a different type of event for the motor enthusiasts. The merging of the expedition and the races will enable us to reach a wider segment of participants while also giving them the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Sri Lanka in the process.”
The Super-Cross, under the theme "Commando Challenge" once again designed under the guidance of the father of Supercross racing in Sri Lanka, former President of SLARDAR Mr. Hans Ralf Karpinsky and have added new features to the track in line with the international Rally Cross Championship venues. The drivers will have a thrilling day of motor sports on the 9th October at Uva Kudaoya, Commando Training School Premises.
