Hesali Peiris
A Sri Lankan racing discovery named Hesali Peiris is showing promise to do something extraordinary on the track as she rode her bike and made an impact at the Asia Cup of Circuit Racing for Women in Thailand this week.
With just three local events under her belt before hitting the Thai Racing Complex as an international novice, Hesali proved she was no ordinary racer trying to have some speed fun as she raised eyebrows and curiosity away from home.
Hesali’s performance in Thailand is said to have exceeded all expectations as she fearlessly competed against top riders from leading racing nations as Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, China and India.
In one particular race, she experienced a high octane intense contest with an opposing rider from the Philippines until the very end and kept competitors from Iran, Singapore and Nepal behind her from the start as she earned the admiration of officials and race organizers alike at her international debut.
But Hesali is modest and refuses to be carried away which is a quality that most sportsmen and sportswomen lack that often brings about their downfall.
“I only had three weeks to prepare and was so excited to represent my country. I know this is just the beginning and I will have to do my best to improve with every race”, said Hesali who at age 14 is also brimming with self confidence in an arena that is usually associated with boys and men while showing other girls nothing is far from reach.
Former racing ace and current president of the Motorcycle Racing Federation, Shane Gunawardena, was one of the first to be moved by Hesali’s potential to race on the track and wasted no time in making sure she pursues her dreams.
Gunawardena arranged for Hesali to train in Thailand alongside their foremost female biking champion Sirilak Yiengkulchao and gave her additional training on the kart track with his son Jaden who has also sported the Sri Lanka flag overseas.
Gunawardena told the Sunday Observer that he is looking into more openings for her on the international scene along with potential sponsors in a country that does not have proper track facilities despite the enthusiasm shown by budding racers over the years.
