Team Jeep emerged as the overall winners at Jeep Wrangler Southern Night Rally 2015. The Southern Night Rally, nicknamed as ‘the journey through the wilderness of the South’ took place from September 25 night till the 26th morning. Southern Rally is considered as the most challenging annual TSD Rally in Sri Lanka by most of the motor rally sportsmen in the country.

Also, this motoring event has been acknowledged by the competitors as one of the best-organised events of the country. The 455-kilometre course, which ran through the back roads of Matara, Hambantota and Galle Districts comprised of 41 checkpoints. Moreover, Aloka de Silva driving a Jeep Wrangler Sport achieved overall third runner-up and Nalin Premarathne, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, became the fourth runner-up.

The 200-kilometre first stage consisted of a 70 percent tar and 30 percent gravel course and started off in Matara and passed through Thihagoda, Yatiyana, Kadduwa, Weligama, Kokmaduwa, Yakkalamulla, Udugama, Mapalagama, Nagoda and ended in Galle at midnight. The second stage consisted of a 65 percent tar and concrete and 35 percent gravel course and started off in Galle at 2:00 a.m. and passed through Kananke, Makumbura, Udugama, Maplagama, Thawalama, Neluwa, Morawaka, Darangala, Kamburupitiya, Akuressa, Malimboda and Matara.

The Jeep service crew was present at the rally to provide assistance to Team Jeep at various points. The four back up vehicles accompanied Team Jeep ensuring their success.

Commenting on the sponsorship and success of Team Jeep at the event, Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC (DIMO) CEO Gahanath Pandithage said, “DIMO and Jeep are excited to be part of this gruelling Southern Rally for the second consecutive year. We are proud that Team Jeep won the event, re-establishing the fact that Jeep is the ultimate off-road vehicle for the real outdoor enthusiasts.”

DIMO was the main sponsor of this year’s Southern Night Rally. DIMO is the only authorized distributor for Jeep vehicles in Sri Lanka. The iconic Jeep brand is recognized all over the world as forever linked to freedom, capability and adventure. Every Jeep vehicle has a unique story to tell, with a rich heritage that links back to the original Willys MA. Jeep owners have long known that Go Anywhere, Do Anything is a way of life not just a campaign slogan.