The first race in Sri Lanka’s off-road bike and 4×4 racing season will officially flag off on 29 th
of February, with the Thunder Valley Off Road Cross, in Kaluaggala, Hanwella. Organized for
the second consecutive year by the Four Wheel Drive Club (FWDC) of Sri Lanka and the Two
Wheel Motor Racing Club (TWMRC), the race is already being hailed as a vital test for riders
and drivers going into the racing season, giving the teams and their equipment a chance to
fine tune their skills, gear and racing strategies.
“The response for our inaugural Thunder Valley Off Road Cross in 2019 was overwhelming
and we received many requests to make this part of the annual racing calendar as it
provided racers with an ideal proving ground for the start of their season,” Haren Yatawaka,
Thunder Valley Off Road Cross Track Designer. “We have made a few changes to the track
this year and extended the 4×4 course to give the racers a chance to push themselves under
competition conditions.”
The MX bike races will take place on a one-kilometer arena style track, with an average lap
timed at one minute. The touring class special stages, incorporating axel twists and turns
with technical driving skills will be tested across eight stages spread over the two days. The
extreme class special stages will include a river, two creeks and mud pit obstacles requiring
winching to complete each stage.
“This is one of few privately owned tracks, that offer both MX and 4×4 races to take place
simultaneously, making it one of the more exciting events for both riders and spectators
attending the event. The unique arena style track design also gives spectators an
unobstructed view of the MX races, while 4×4 fans can get up close to the action,” Sean
Hameed, Thunder Valley Off Road Cross Event Director.
Sean added that “the overwhelming response we have received from both participants and
brands has promoted us to explore the options of expanding the race in the coming years.
This year we have Clear Men, Wurth, Ritzbury Chocolates, CTEK, Legends 96.6, YesFM,
Motor Mag and PitPass on board. We are also working with a reputed outdoor event
experience company Avant Premier to help manage the event and create a more engaging
experience for all.”
The Thunder Valley Off Road Racing Facility located in the grounds of Yatawaka Walawwa, in
Kaluaggala, Hanwella, is less than an hour’s drive from Colombo city. The track design is the
brainchild of Haren, a veteran rider with experience building many of Sri Lanka’s top racing
tracks. It has been the proving grounds for a many of today’s riders and bike enthusiasts
since 2002, with many going on to win championships at home and away.
Proposed Event Schedule
Practice Day Saturday, 29 th February
09:00 to 14:00 MX Category
09:00 to 16:00 Touring Class 4×4 – Special Stages 1-4
09:00 to 18:00 Extreme Class 4×4 – Special Stages 1-4
Race Day Sunday, 1 st March
09:00 to 13:00 Group JMX 50cc (Under 9)
Group JMX 65cc (Under 12) Special Club Meet
Group JMX 85cc (Under 12)
Group JMX 85cc (Under 15)
Group MX up to 250cc
Group MX 250cc
Group MX Open
09:00 to 15:00 Touring Class 4×4 – Special Stages 5-8
09:00 to 18:00 Extreme Class 4×4 – Special Stages 5-8
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