Navy Racing Track Colombo ready for motor racing

The Navy Racing Track, Colombo (NRTC) constructed in Welisara, is ready for motor racing. It was introduced at a press briefing presided over by Director Navy Sports Commodore Meril Sudharshana on July 23 (Wednesday). Exciting demonstration races with the participation of renowned racing drivers and riders in the island followed for the spectators to see real action at the newest racing track located close to the capital Colombo.

Navy's Gayan Sandaruwan, the number one national motor bike racing rider, displayed superb riding skills mounted on a 250cc Honda. His prowess was complemented by thrilling performances of PW under 10 years, Super Motor bikes and SLGT cars that showcased the potential of the NRTC for mega events.

At present, there are 15 sailors who represent the Sri Lanka Navy as motor cross riders. The major barrier for SLN riders was the non-availability of a motor cross race track for their training. Fulfilling the requirement, the Navy took the initiative to construct a motor cross track for bike and car races at the Naval Complex in Welisara.

To reap the enormous potential, the Sri Lanka Navy aims to train and develop young officers and sailors in the field of motor cross and the new track would be an asset to groom their talents.

It would also be a good training, riding and driving facility for motor cross enthusiasts in Sri Lanka. It would be the closest racing track to the capital of Sri Lanka and open the doors to the spectators in Colombo and the suburbs.

The track is located midway to the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport, thus paving the way for international fans to have easy access to enjoy motor racing in Sri Lanka.

The special features of the track:

Car track has a length of 1.2 kilometres with more up hill and down hills as well as more drifting corners, allowing competitors to gain an exhilarating experience at NRTC. Motor bike track has a length of 1.8 kilometres, the longest in Sri Lanka with seven bends 13 jumps including the longest jump in Sri Lanka. The topography of the terrain is superb for the motor cross enthusiasts to see the races at a higher ground level. Spectators will get a thrilling experience in motor cross, which no other motor cross ground in Sri Lanka could offer. The elevated platforms in the track can accommodate 30,000 spectators at present and it is expected to improve accommodating more in the future. Sri Lanka Navy has planned the first race to be held as "Navy Super Cross" in September at the NRTC in collaboration with the Carlton Motor Cross Sports Club and the SLARDAR. Sponsorships are invited for the mega event, which will be conducted according to international standards to bring spectators riding and racing to the capital of Sri Lanka.