(dailynews-2005/07/01) by Bernard Perera
Rohith de Silva a leading Racing driver specialised in Minis is to compete in the Mini Racing event which is to decide the Fastest Mini Driver in the world for the year 2005. Rohith is not a newcomer for the event he has competed continuously since 2000. This year's event is to be held in Brands Hatch Race Circuit in London, England on July 9 and 10. The race is organised by British Racing and Sports Car Club. In 2000 Rohith entered the event but on arrival he was not allowed to drive due to an international licence problem. He was highly a dejected driver on this occasion. But he never gave up the idea and after making all arrangements completely entered the event in 2001 which was conducted at Mallory Park, also in England. This was a good one for him where he managed to win the Group E category. He also set up a new world record for the fastest lap timing. This record still stands under his belt. He said that this year wants to lower the record if things go right in all respects. Rohith could not finish the race on his third appearance in 2002 as he had to retire after three laps due to a mechanical problem. But managed to be among the top three in lap timings. Year 2004 too was not a successful one for Rohith as he had to pull out of the event after the completion of eight laps, this too was mechanical problems that arose with his engine. Rohith has to find a sum of Rs. 3 million for the event which he has to look forward to sponsors. The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Jeevan Kumaratunga has given the green light for Rohith to drive under Sri Lanka banner and also has granted a part of the sponsorship to Rohith for the event. Many other sponsors have come forward to assist driver Rohith de Silva, Traveller Global (Pvt) Ltd. handed over their sponsorship last week at a simple ceremony held at the Sports Ministry Auditorium. Rohith left the island on Tuesday for England.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Rohith - fastest Mini driver in the world
by Bernard Perera (Daily News, - Sports Saturday, 8 September 2001)
It was a dream come true for Ace Mini driver Rohith de Silva in the United Kingdom when he recorded the best time to become the fastest Mini driver in the world. He achieved this feat participating in the famous “Mallory Park” circuit in Leicestershire.
He says that it is a pleasure to bring honour to his motherland. He further said that it was a surprise to see Lankan migrants gathered to greet him after his victory.
Rohith born and bred n Katana was a motor racing fan from his tender age. He was always there at races along with his uncle and his brother who are leading drivers in Sri Lanka. This prompted him to take to the sport he said.
His school friends used to play cricket in paddy fields during holidays but he was never with them. Instead he was seen with his uncle in his garage looking at engines being tuned for racing events. Rohith was so interested that the noise of these engines and fumes that emanates from them was never a nuisance to him.
Following in the footsteps of his uncle and brother he took to motor racing in 1983.
Since then he has won many major events in driving “Mini Cooper 1000”. These trophies were not his dream. His main target was the World Championship for “Minis” he said.
I knew that it was a long way from me, but I never wanted this idea to fade away from me. I kept on praying day after day with this as my Intention. Little Mini was everything for me. Whenever I am on the wheel of my Mini it gave me confidence, I knew it was not possible to keep driving here and win a world championships
England the producer of the Mini is the only country that holds World C’ships for these vehicles. To enter this championship was a costly thing which troubled me a lot, but I did not want to turn back and forget the idea of participating. To achieve this I had to overcome many obstacles, he added.
The first was to get the machine in topping condition, followed by finance and a team of mechanics for running repairs.
He had to seek help from his relations, friends and well-wishers to overcome these difficulties. It was Petco Lanka, Swarnavahini and Insurance Corporation which came forward to sort out some of the problems of Rohith. This gave him more courage he said.
While the work on his machine was in progress his phone rang him to disturb him. He ignored this but his mother took the receiver and shouted to Rohith saying one Roger from England was on line. He ran to the phone forgetting everything on hand.
It was good news for Rohith as it was the confirmation of his participation. Roger the man behind all organising arrangements in England wanted Rohith to be there in time for the event. Roger wished me good luck and told that you are sure to do well here, and cut the line. I am taking part in this event and driving but I must have the confidence over my team attending on my car.
Everything depends on them he said.
Soon after reaching London and finishing all homework here, I had to face more problems as the car needed many modifications to suit the English conditions which also needed finances. Sri Lankans in U.K. came to my rescue, says Rohith.
This gave me more encouragement.
When the event got off to a start my engine produced everything what I need from it. I sped through two laps at a terrific speed at this stage the battery gave problems but my mechanics atteneded to it quickly. I was back in the race.
On my return I had to chase all the other drivers which also made me the fastest driver. I was raising the engine to get to the first slot, but alas the power problems arose again not allowing me to become the overall champion said Rohith. I intend going again but not to bring honour for me but for my country.
It was a dream come true for Ace Mini driver Rohith de Silva in the United Kingdom when he recorded the best time to become the fastest Mini driver in the world. He achieved this feat participating in the famous “Mallory Park” circuit in Leicestershire.
He says that it is a pleasure to bring honour to his motherland. He further said that it was a surprise to see Lankan migrants gathered to greet him after his victory.
Rohith born and bred n Katana was a motor racing fan from his tender age. He was always there at races along with his uncle and his brother who are leading drivers in Sri Lanka. This prompted him to take to the sport he said.
His school friends used to play cricket in paddy fields during holidays but he was never with them. Instead he was seen with his uncle in his garage looking at engines being tuned for racing events. Rohith was so interested that the noise of these engines and fumes that emanates from them was never a nuisance to him.
Following in the footsteps of his uncle and brother he took to motor racing in 1983.
Since then he has won many major events in driving “Mini Cooper 1000”. These trophies were not his dream. His main target was the World Championship for “Minis” he said.
I knew that it was a long way from me, but I never wanted this idea to fade away from me. I kept on praying day after day with this as my Intention. Little Mini was everything for me. Whenever I am on the wheel of my Mini it gave me confidence, I knew it was not possible to keep driving here and win a world championships
England the producer of the Mini is the only country that holds World C’ships for these vehicles. To enter this championship was a costly thing which troubled me a lot, but I did not want to turn back and forget the idea of participating. To achieve this I had to overcome many obstacles, he added.
The first was to get the machine in topping condition, followed by finance and a team of mechanics for running repairs.
He had to seek help from his relations, friends and well-wishers to overcome these difficulties. It was Petco Lanka, Swarnavahini and Insurance Corporation which came forward to sort out some of the problems of Rohith. This gave him more courage he said.
While the work on his machine was in progress his phone rang him to disturb him. He ignored this but his mother took the receiver and shouted to Rohith saying one Roger from England was on line. He ran to the phone forgetting everything on hand.
It was good news for Rohith as it was the confirmation of his participation. Roger the man behind all organising arrangements in England wanted Rohith to be there in time for the event. Roger wished me good luck and told that you are sure to do well here, and cut the line. I am taking part in this event and driving but I must have the confidence over my team attending on my car.
Everything depends on them he said.
Soon after reaching London and finishing all homework here, I had to face more problems as the car needed many modifications to suit the English conditions which also needed finances. Sri Lankans in U.K. came to my rescue, says Rohith.
This gave me more encouragement.
When the event got off to a start my engine produced everything what I need from it. I sped through two laps at a terrific speed at this stage the battery gave problems but my mechanics atteneded to it quickly. I was back in the race.
On my return I had to chase all the other drivers which also made me the fastest driver. I was raising the engine to get to the first slot, but alas the power problems arose again not allowing me to become the overall champion said Rohith. I intend going again but not to bring honour for me but for my country.
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