SpeedBay, Sri Lanka’s leading karting and motorsport venue, has introduced the country’s first Sodi World Series (SWS) Sprint Championship, marking a major step forward for accessible, arrive-and-drive kart racing. The new championship opens opportunities for both beginners and experienced drivers to compete in a globally recognised format.
The six-round championship offers competitors the chance to race world-class Sodi karts and work towards eligibility for the SWS World Finals. As an individual format, the series ensures a level playing field through equal karts and minimum weight rules, placing emphasis on driver skill. Its arrive-and-drive model removes the need for personal equipment, making motorsport more affordable and inclusive.
The inaugural round saw strong participation, with the Senior category attracting 33 entries – the largest single grid in Sri Lankan karting and motorsport history. The event also drew international interest, featuring competitors from Pakistan, China, the United Kingdom, the Maldives, Germany, and the Czech Republic, including a six-member team from Pakistan.
The two-day race weekend also hosted the second year of the IAME Sri Lanka two-stroke championship and the SWS Endurance Championship, with 16 teams competing in a three-hour race.
“Launching the SWS Sprint Championship is a defining moment for Sri Lankan motorsport,” said Buddhima Attapatu, Deputy General Manager, David Pieris Racing and Leisure. “Our goal is to show that anyone, regardless of age, background, or budget, can get started in racing. With multiple categories, equal machinery, and a clear pathway to international competition, this championship opens doors that simply did not exist before.”
The championship features Cadet, Junior, Senior, Masters, and Women’s classes and is officiated by the Ceylon Motor Sports Club (CMSC), the FIA-appointed ASN for Sri Lanka. With five rounds remaining, the next event is scheduled for 25 and 26 April.
Key results – Event highlights
IAME Series Sri Lanka – Finals
IAME Cadet: Winner – Hakam Ossen | Top 3 – Hakam Ossen, Mikkell De Silva, Tanasha Raddella | Best Lap – 1:00.703 (Hakam Ossen)
IAME Junior: Winner – Aneeq Jamaldeen | Top 3 – Aneeq Jamaldeen, Sahiru Nemika, Tehan Amarasiri | Best Lap – 53.274 (Aneeq Jamaldeen)
IAME Senior: Winner – Sheshan Gunasekara | Top 3 – Sheshan Gunasekara, Ryan Gunawardhana, Kavisha Uyanwatta | Best Lap – 51.848 (Sheshan Gunasekara)
IAME Master: Winner – Zhao Kang | Top 3 – Zhao Kang, Romani De Silva, Eric Ou | Best Lap – 54.524 (Eric Ou)
SWS Championships
SWS Endurance Cup: Winner – Team Avant (126 laps) | Top 3 – Avant, Kartmen, Velocity X Racing | Best Lap – Spark Racing (1:09.249)
SWS Sprint Cup – Women (Race 2): Winner – Sorayah Wahab | Top 3 – Sorayah Wahab, Natanya Raymond, Sharanya Mendis | Best Lap – 1:09.939 (Sorayah Wahab)
SWS Sprint Cup – Junior (Race 2): Winner – Hakam Ossen | Top 3 – Hakam Ossen, Anish Samarajiwa, Piers De Mel | Best Lap – 1:13.802 (Anish Samarajiwa)
SWS Sprint Cup – Senior (Race 2): Winner – Asif Magsi | Top 3 – Asif Magsi, Arshardh Ifthikar, Kevan Samarajiwa | Best Lap – 1:09.152 (Arshardh Ifthikar)
SWS Sprint Cup – Master (Race 2): Winner – Dinesh Pathirana | Top 3 – Dinesh Pathirana, Syed Naqvi, Thomas Plojhar | Best Lap – 1:10.137 (Dinesh Pathirana