Andrew P. Mirando - worked tirelessly for motorcycling

MOTORCYCLING: The Ceylon Motorcycle Club had great workers in their ranks to push the sport forward for the benefit of the many riders and fans. The Motorcycle Club formed in 1947 in an impromptu manner at Hameedia Tea Room in Bambalapitiya went from strength to strength and is now a formidable club.

The first elected President was Wally de Zilva, who was also a great swimming and waterpolo player, the two vice-presidents were Andrew P. Mirando and Carlo Garth.

They were very enthusiastic riders and they worked tirelessly for the benefit for the lovers of motor cycling.

The great worker that he is, the late Andrew P. Mirando, when he was among the living, went out of his way to encourage the up-and-coming riders so that motorcycling will thrive in Ceylon, (as the country was then known).

When the Ceylon Motorcycle Club was just three years old, Andrew P. Mirando who was known as the "Father of the Ceylon Motorcycle Club" took a team from Ceylon to participate in the "Isle of Man T.T." in England.

The team comprised Ms Wally de Zilva, Peter Fernando, Collin Silva and Pat Helshman, who won a Bronze Medal and a "Finishers Plaque", Peter Fernando - a Bronze Medal. Though it was just two medals, it was a fine performance by the duo considering the fact that the two riders had a distance of 37 1/2 miles to cover on each lap.

The early start by the Ceylon Motorcycle Club in their activities turned out to be a good omen and there was tremendous enthusiasm that was generated among the members and Andrew P. Fernando took his second contingent for the Deccan Gymkhana Sports Club Meet in Poona in late January 1956.

The team that went for the meet comprised Zacky Dean, W. P. Indraratne, Trim Seneviratne and Chandra de Costa. These four riders brought credit to Ceylon in their respective class events. Top of the list was the late Zacky Dean who won the Junior (350 c.c. Class) and the Senior Class (500 c.c.) Class on a 'Manx Norton' Model 40. According to information available, the Indian spectators were simply stunned by the riding of Zacky Dean that day.

Then another meet where the competitors from Ceylon did well were at the 1958 All-India races where Chandra de Costa, not only set a meet record, but also beat his good friend - Zacky Dean (Manx Norton Model 30) belonging to his brother-Rally, De Costa won the 500 c.c., and unlimited events also riding a Manx Norton Model 30. The racing was at Bangalore's Telahanka Circuit.

So, motor racing somewhat prospered in the good old days and Andrew P. Mirando did a fine job as manager of the Ceylon team. Besides Mirando, there was also Bruce Pate who was also a glutton for work and the sport flourished.