The third and final round of the SpeedBay 6-Hour Endurance Karting Championship 2024 took place on Saturday, November 23rd, at the FIA-CIK certified SpeedBay Karting Track in Bandaragama. This finale drew an unprecedented 16 teams, comprised of strategic managers and determined drivers eager to ace the final race of endurance.
Along with the practice and experience from the previous two rounds, teams arrived prepared with pre-race strategies and tactical maneuvers, fully aware of the intense competition ahead. The race not only showcased the exceptional driving skills of the participants but also the critical role of race officials in maintaining fairness and safety throughout the heated races.
Among the teams were Asriel Flash Squad Racing, Macson Mesh, Kartmen, Spark Racing, RHC Racing, Octane Racing, Carbon Crew by Fund Lab, Totachi Racing, S. Thomas’ College, ESDEE with Dilango Racing, Sysco LABS, Mach 1 Racing, SLOW-MOS, Team LME, Team ACBT, and Iron Maidens. Each team brought a distinct dynamic to the track, adding to the intensity and unpredictability of the race.
Setting the pace for the day, Chenuka Caldera of Team Macson Mesh, the youngest driver on the track at 13 years of age, achieved the fastest lap and secured pole position during the qualifiers. His impressive performance further heightened the anticipation for the main event.
Ultimately, the championship concluded with Asriel Flash Squad Racing taking first place, led by manager and driver Ishan Munaweera, along with teammates Ryan De Bruin, Shakthi Gunasekara, and Thinuka Wijerathna. They were followed by Team Macson Mesh, managed by Inshaff Iqbal and featuring drivers Ayesh Bandara, Anika Ariff, Chenuka Caldera, and Emdad Hussain. Team Kartmen, managed by Wageesha Anjana and comprising drivers Channa Ranawaka, Lahiru Perera, Waruna Chathuranga, and Nadeesha Moraes, secured a hard-fought third place.
The event was not without its unique highlights. The participation of the all-Chinese team, Slow Mos Racing, added an international dimension, while Sri Lanka’s racing legend Dilantha Malagamuwa, competing as part of his own team, Dilango Racing, brought unparalleled prestige to the championship. With 16 teams overall, the championship unlocked an intense race.
Reflecting on the significance of these elements, Eshan Pieris, Chairman – David Pieris Racing & Leisure remarked, “In endurance racing, precision in the pits is just as important as speed on the track. It’s the ultimate test of teamwork, skill, and strategy. This season has proven that endurance karting in Sri Lanka is stronger than ever. The spirit of competition, the talent on display, and the commitment of every participant have set a new benchmark for the sport.”
The SpeedBay Endurance Championship 2024 was organized and promoted by SpeedBay at Pearl Bay, Bandaragama, in collaboration with the Motor Racing Association and the Ceylon Motor Sports Club. The championship was also sponsored by the official tire partner, MRF Tyres. SpeedBay is owned and operated by David Pieris Racing & Leisure (Private) Limited, the motorsports division of the David Pieris Group.
