It’s been only a year since 17 year old Damith Weerasinghe joined the world of racing. Storming into the racing world, he has managed to secure a place in all racing events he has participated.

Competing for the first time in this year’s Colombo Night Races, he came in second in the SLH 1600 event. To top it all he bagged the Champion of the Year award at this year’s National Motor Racing Awards.

When he is not racing Damith enjoys annoying his siblings, playing the guitar and watching videos of his favorite race car driver Sebastien Vettel. Speaking to LifeOnline Damith said that he hopes to enter international racing one day and bring glory to Sri Lanka.

“Racing is dangerous. If you have that fear of racing then you cannot race. To me however it is an interesting sport and a sport where you can have some fun because once you get into your car and strap on your seatbelts, you forget all your problems and concentrate only on the race.”

This was your first time at the Colombo Night Races and you secured second place. How did you manage to do that?

Road races are always risky. You never know what will happen. It was a bit difficult, since it was raining and I didn’t have wet tires. But I kept my cool, concentrated on the race and drove well.

What made you become a racer?

Well, I was always a huge fan of racing. It was my dream to become a racer. My uncle was a racer and I wanted to be one.

How did you learn how to drive and how old were you when you drove your first vehicle?

I was eight when I first drove. When there wasn’t anyone at home I use to sneak into my father’s jeep, keep a couple of cushions on the seat and teach myself how to drive and the first vehicle I drove was a Prado.

When did you enter the world of racing and what was your first race?

I took part in the Pannala Championship in 2012. That was my first race and I came in first place with a Sri Lankan record.

What was your most challenging race?

Everyday is a challenge for a racer. I had to face a lot of challenges in my first race in Pannala as the person I was competing with was the champion for the past five years. I guess the most challenging race was the Gunners Supercross that was held this year. One of the competitors knew the track inside out and he was the champion in that particular event for the past few years.

What was your biggest achievement?

The 2013 Gajaba Supercross. I participated in three events, but I got upgraded to two fast events. I managed to secure first place in all five events establishing two meet records.

What do you tell yourself before a race?

I don’t really tell myself anything. I just pray to god that I drive safe and put on a good show for my spectators. For me winning is not everything. I just want to perform well and finish the race.

What was the scariest thing that has happened to you on track?

It was at the Colombo Night Races that were held this December. I was racing at the Galle Face stretch at 260kmph, fifth gear flat out and then a dog crossed in front of me.

What percent of success do you think has to do with the car, what percent is the driver and what percent is luck?

Racing is not all about driving. Racing is luck, the driving skill, concentration and standard of physical fitness you have. To me luck pays a huge part when it comes to racing, because no matter how much you drive well if you’re unlucky on that day, you won’t be standing anywhere.

You went to Australia recently. Why? What did you achieve there?

The racing body in Australia selected me as I was the youngest racer in Sri Lanka for some training sessions and lectures. Over there I was selected to participate in the Formula lll event for the Asian cup to be held next year.

Any plans on completing your education?

I definitely want to complete my education. To be honest racing takes a lot of my time. And once you go for a race you’re reliving that race for the next couple of days, so it’s kind of hard to concentrate. In addition every racer has a degree. If you want to be a formula l driver you need a degree. I am not going to drop off studies, I will definitely continue it.

What are your plans for the near future?

I am studying at ACBT at the moment. I want to finish that fast. Secondly I want to perform well at the Formula lll event that‘s going to be held next year.

Where do you see yourself in another 10-20 years?

Hopefully as a Formula l driver.

Is there anything you would like to say to your spectators out there?

I would like to thank everyone who’s been with me while racing. Especially my dad. He is the man I love the most. My family has been extremely supportive and I don’t know what I’d do without them. Also my mechanic Sajjad Zuhair and the guys who were with me, Arjuna and Buddhi Perera.

Thank you all so much and If haven’t mentioned any names you know who you are!

By Rumana Razick