Thursday Nov 20, 2008
Dinesh Jayawardene becomes the second Sri Lankan driver to enter the International racing circuit when he drives this weekend on the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia. Dinesh left the island yesterday to compete in the support race for the AI event.

He will be driving a Honda Civic 1600 in the Super 1600 category. Dinesh has completed outside Sri Lanka driving Formulas in India in a duel contest. He has won many events during these visits.

Dinesh who drives in many classes 1600, Ford Laser, Super cars and Formula II in the local circuit has raced in Diyatalawa (Fox Hill) Saliyapura (Gajaba) Minneriya Super Cross, Katukurunda and Pannala winning many events. He has proved himself as a classy driver here before making his way to the international circuit.

Dinesh speaking to the island before his departure to Malaysia said I was knocking at the door to enter this scene. It was Dilantha Malagamuwa, the two time winner of the Malaysian Super Series who paved the way for me to make my debut. He in fact rented a Honda Civic car using his good offices for me to compete. I thank him very much for his good work done to see me on the international circuit.

Dinesh took to the sport following his father Mana Jayawardene has come a long way and joined another motor racing family of Rohan de Silva, a veteran Formula driver, and his daughter Shehara de Silva, the lady racing driver who is married to Dinesh.

A member of the Asian Motor Racing Club Dinesh is sponsored in the local circuit by DHL and the Ceylon Daily News.

He is due have his practice session today and the qualifying round on Friday. He will face stiff opposition on Saturday and Sunday when he moves to the international track for the first in his life. A win or a placing would definitely put Sri Lanka on a good footing in this interesting sport.

Source: DAILY NEWS
Author: Bernard PERERA