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.