"Navy Racing Track Colombo" (NRTC) 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 23rd July 2014. 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 01 national motor bike racing rider, displayed superb riding skills mounted on a 250 cc 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.

The Navy has a great passion for sports. It is reflected in the outstanding performances of the SLN personnel in the sports arena. Sri Lanka Navy, the first line of defence of the island-nation, played a pivotal role in the fight against the most ruthless form of terrorism that plagued the country for over three decades. With the dawn of peace, SLN personnel continue the proud legacy of their wholehearted commitment to task and steadfast determination to win in the sphere of sports as well, bringing credit to the Navy and fame to the Motherland.

Having fulfilled its operational commitments in the Humanitarian Operation, the Navy has come back with a vengeance to regain its glory in sports. Concerted efforts have been made towards the promotion of sports in the Navy and today, there are 48 sports disciplines under the purview of the Navy Sports Directorate. Motor cross as a sports discipline was introduced in the year 2013 under the chairmanship of Lt. YK Rajapaksa with the direction of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera and the blessings of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. At present, there are15 sailors who represent the Sri Lanka Navy as motor cross race 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.

Today, motor cross enjoys immense popularity in Sri Lanka as a sports discipline. Drivers and Riders receive phenomenal public attention and they constantly come into the limelight due to the excitement and the thrills they bring into the event. 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.

Thanks to the relentless efforts made by all involved within and outside the Navy, the racing track is introduced today under the name of “Navy Racing Track – Colombo” (NRTC). It would be the closest racing tract to the capital of Sri Lanka and open the doors to the spectators in Colombo and the suburbs. The tract 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 are:

- Car track has a length of 1.2 kilometers with more up hills & 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 kilometers, the longest in Sri Lanka with 07 bends and 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 spectacular Riding & Racing to the capital of Sri Lanka.