Reviving the thrill: Yamaha KT100 2 Stroke Karting Championship returns

Racing fans in Sri Lanka are in for a treat as the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC) and the International Karting Association of Ceylon (IKAC) team together to revive the internationally acclaimed "Yamaha KT100 2 Stroke Karting Championship." After a hiatus of more than two decades, this iconic championship is set to make a triumphant return in 2023.

Partnering with CMSC and IKAC are several renowned FMCG brands that have lent their support to make this championship a reality. The title sponsor for the event is 3M, with Mobil1 serving as the official lubricant partner. Meguiar's has taken on the role of the official autocare partner, while CHINT Electric is empowering the world through their participation.

YETI, the esteemed beverage partner, and PITPASS, the social media promotions partner, complete the lineup of esteemed sponsors for this three-round championship.

The inaugural round of the Yamaha KT100 2 Stroke Karting Championship is scheduled to take place on June 17, 2023, at the Bandaragama International Karting Circuit, also known as the Sri Lanka Karting Circuit. This purpose-built circuit has obtained all necessary safety licenses from the ASN, ensuring a secure and thrilling racing environment.

The championship will feature two weight classes, with a total of 12 drivers in the 140kg class (Thiyago Pereira, Mevan Perera, Thinuka Wijeratne, Aadam Junaid, Rasika, Yaanik Jayawardana, Jayden Jayawardana, Chandiv Rambukpotha, Avishka Premadasa, Inuk Maddumarachchi, Mathew Karunaratne, Sheshaan Gunasekara) and 13 drivers in the 155kg class (Abeeth Dangalla, Dilan Seneviratne, Gihan Deerasekara, Sangeeth Suriyage, Shakthi Gunasekara, Ushan Perera, Nadeera Jinasena, Shiyan Arambawaththa, Ryan Gray, Aravinda Premadasa, Irshad Faham, Faham Newman, Romani de Silva). The Bandaragama International Karting Circuit, stretching over 1.2 kilometers, promises to provide an exhilarating track for these drivers to showcase their skills.

Karting is widely regarded as the cradle of motorsport, with many Formula 1 drivers having begun their careers in karting. It serves as an essential stepping stone, allowing drivers to gain invaluable experience and hone their racing abilities before progressing to higher levels of motorsport.

As the FIA Affiliate (ASN) in Sri Lanka, CMSC is dedicated to nurturing grassroots karting at all levels. In addition to the Yamaha KT100 2 Stroke Karting Championship, CMSC also organizes the "SPEEDSTAR" championship at the SpeedBay Karting Circuit, as well as the Karting Slalom Championship. These events provide aspiring drivers with accessible and affordable avenues to engage in motorsport, opening doors to national and regional competitions in Asia and the Pacific.

The reintroduction of the Yamaha KT100 2 Stroke Karting Championship to Sri Lanka presents an incredible opportunity for aspiring racing drivers to embark on their motorsport journey at a minimal cost. This championship enables them to follow their passion for racing and pursue their dreams of reaching stardom on an international stage.

Spectators are invited to join the excitement of the Yamaha KT100 2 Stroke Karting Championship from 7 am onwards. Be prepared to witness adrenaline-fueled races and discover the raw talent that lies within the drivers competing in this exhilarating motorsport event.

So mark your calendars and prepare for a thrilling experience as the Yamaha KT100 2 Stroke Karting Championship roars back to life in Sri Lanka after more than two decades.