“I know that the event is going to be competitive. But I know what I can achieve and what I am good at and I am confident of becoming the winner,” said Ushan Perera with tremendous confidence ahead of the recently concluded Walawe Supercross organized by the Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club.
Ushan did justice to his words, winning the Walawe Supercross and the tournaments that followed in the latter part of 2016. He was incredibly successful as he completed a year of remarkable glory.
Ushan’s performance at the recently concluded Commando Challange credited him with the championship award. Mastering the track at the Commando Regimental school was no easy task but Ushan certainly did showcase remarkable talent and pure class while many other drivers failed to execute their basics on the longest and the fastest track in Sri Lanka.
On his Evo 9 2000, Ushan won the SL GT Cars Up to 3500 CC (Championship Event) and the SL GT Cars Up to 3500 CC (Championship Event) race at Kuda Oya. The two races comprised of eight long laps each, under the scorching heat soaked in dust.
Ushan Perera’s early career
Like many other motorsport enthusiasts, Ushan Perera started his career before his teenage years. Racing was in his blood and he bloomed as a shining star even in his youth.
“I introduce myself as Ushan Perea based at Kurunegala and working as a businessman. I Started my racing career when I was 10 years old, driving a Yamaha YSR 50cc bike. I was the winner in my first race at the Wijayabahu Motor cross in 2000. From 2009 to 2012, I took part in the Supermotard 250cc and Supermotard 450cc event. Alternatively, I did some Karting and came to Motorcar racing. First, I drove an alto K10 at Pannala and Katukurunda. I got podiums at that race. I opted to go with a Nissan March K11 2013 for SL-N 1000cc class and Mitsubishi evolution for the SL-GT 3500cc class. I won podiums at both races,” says Ushan Perera on his website.
His quick transformation from a rider to a driver inspired many in the Sri Lankan motorsports arena. Ushan soon became a representative of CEAT Sri Lanka, helping them dominate the rankings in the last couple of years.
“Uncompromising passion and great team work will always bring results. We are proud of the team because its winning mantra is one that we subscribe to in our business as well as in our sponsorships in the sphere of motor racing in Sri Lanka,” said Mr Ravi Dadlani, Vice President – (Sales, Marketing and Exports at CEAT Kelani Holdings) after this year’s Sigiriya Rally Cross.
A part of Ushan Perera’s success goes to his dedicated team which includes the likes of Suresh Manage (Vehicle Manager), Nadeera Jinasena (Vehicle Tuner), Thiwanka Ganegoda (Logistics Manager) and Aruna Adhikari (Pit Crew).
With CEAT as Ushan’s primary sponsor, he also has Hardware City Pvt Ltd, Dynamin Racing, St. Anthony’s Motor Garage, Thasuki International, Top Level performance international and Thasuki Holdings under his belt.
Ushan Perera has certainly dominated and thrived in the national level. While his competitiveness at the international level remains uncertain, he certainly does possess the right potential to take motor sports in Sri Lanka to international standards.
