4x4 Challenge 2008
4X4 CHALLENGE 2008 – Mission Accomplished
The grueling 4 day 4x4 Challenge 2008 came to a fantastic finish on the 14th October in Dambulla amidst a gathering of Sponsors, Spectators, Competitors and surprised locals. This event which challenged the brain as well as the vehicle of the competitors was undoubtedly the most challenging event in its 5 years of existence.
The organizers made sure that the competitors got the best of obstacles and nature they could handle. FWDC along with Alkin Nature Resort put on this show for the 4x4 enthusiast. 18 Competitors showed up for the prolog where their capabilities we put to test prior to the more serious off roading the following day.
Prolog winner Mr. Suresh Chaturanga proved that nothing was impossible if one sets his mind to it as he ploughed his way through to the leader board.
The other competitor were also equal to the task to secure each of their locations for day 2, This was an eye opener for everybody as unlike the previous challenges the obstacles presented to the competitors were more severe and needed a lot of guts to get through, it was encouraging to see our international competitor showing some of the ropes (tricks) in how to get through such obstacles. New comers to the 4x4 Challenge 2008 had a lot to learn for the likes of veterans in the trade, Mr. Indika Sanjaya, Mr. Deepthi Perera, Mr. Osanda Maligaspe have been in the competitors seat since the inception of 4x4 Challenge.
All together 18 SS (Special Stages) were worked off during the 4 days including night sections and camping, mother nature also played her part by Raining on the parade, but this was a welcome by the organizers as it made the obstacles even more challenging to drive on wet surface. The Final Standings for the event was a total shocker to everybody as the reigning champ was ousted by his team member. Results sheet attached below.
|
Competitor Name |
Total Points | Position |
| Suresh Chathuranga | 1521.00 | 1 |
| Sam Chandrasoma | 1481.00 | 2 |
| Indika Sanjaya | 1370.00 | 3 |
| Osanda Maligaspe | 1364.00 | 4 |
| Shenal Fernando | 1267.00 | 5 |
| Amal Wijerathana | 1266.00 | 6 |
| Saranga Gunawardena | 1258.00 | 7 |
| Deepthi Perera | 1244.00 | 8 |
| Roshan Ratnayake | 1225.00 | 9 |
| Ranjan Fernando | 1218.00 | 10 |
| Saty Watson | 1158.00 | 11 |
| Roshan Amarasinghe | 932.00 | 12 |
| Denson Kumara | 694.00 | 13 |
| Russell Brinsmead | 602.00 | 14 |
| Pubudu Wickrama | 481.00 | 15 |
| Nishan Wasalathanthi | 389.00 | 16 |
| Rohan Dharmapala | 359.00 | 17 |
Team Award goes to - Winner : Team LR / 1st Runner up : Team Jeep / 2nd Runner up : Team 4x4's Negombo
The prestigious Anura Batuwantudawa Memorial Comeraderie Trophy goes out to Mr. Roshan Ratnayaka
A special thank you goes our to Mr. Russell Brinsmead for making his was over to Sri Lanka and take part in the most prestigious 4x4 event held the 4x4 Challenge, FWDC hope that his contribution will open a new era in having international entries taking part in future 4x4 events.
The 4x4 Challenge would never have taken place if it wasn’t for one mans dream. Sean Hameed has been the heart & soul of the 4x4 Challenge, his enthusiasm for the sport has made it the most popular recreational sport in this country. As a hopeful for this years Rain Forest Challenge the FWDC wishes him all success and the best of luck.
As always this event and others alike would never be successful if not for the dedicated competitors, FWDC is proud to have such innovative and enduring competitors. A heartfelt thank you goes out to them, The Sponsors of 4X4 Challenge 2008 – Laugfs Lubricants, JEEP Dimo, Toyota, Exide Batteries, REAL Radio, Dialog TV, DailyMirror, KIT Sports, OfficeMax and well wishers; FWDC thanks you for your support. Special mention of Mr. Deera owner and operator of Alkin Nature Resort for allowing us to hold this event and finally to the Marshals, if not for their love of this sport such an event will not be possible.
