Gunners Supercross

A thrilling motor sport event

We brought you some cool facts about the 'Foxhill Supercross' sometime back, and we promised you that we would bring info on the key motor sports events of Sri Lanka.

Keeping that promise, we bring you some fascinating information of the 'Gunners Supercross' today. The event was organised by the Sri Lanka Association Of Racing Drivers And Riders (SLRDAR), which took place on July 8 at the 'Gunners Supercross' track at the Artillery Complex, Minneriya.

This event which has a short history has turned out to become a key event in the agendas of the Sri Lankan racing fans. This rapid success is a result of the uniqueness of the experience that the spectators and the drivers get. The combination of high grounds, low grounds and slopes has made this a real proving ground for the drivers.

Furthermore, this is situated close to the 8th Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery at Minneriya; the land where the race track is situated could became centre of attraction of many a person as it is located in an area which represents the historical heritage of the country, dotted with the ruins and the masses of water reservoirs.

The 'Gunners Supercross' is not an event aimed at just providing excitement. The story behind the initiation of this has a deeper intention. The family members of the Regiment of Artillery who have sacrified their precious lives for the nation, and soldiers disabled due to the ongoing conflict, as well as soldiers of the Regiment who are serving in conflict areas at the moment, surely deserve better standards of living.

The revenue from this event is directed to fulfil this noble purpose. This was set off by the then Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Artillery, Major General SD Thennakoon RSP in 2004.

Since the first event held on October 3, 2004, organisers have improved the standards and safety measures of the competition; it is now on a journey towards becoming the most thrilling motor sports event of the country.

Aravinda Dassanayake