The Biker Brothers

A: Jaden got his first bike on his second birthday. It was a Honda QR 50 and within six months he was riding on a small track in the backyard. The backyard racing turned into something bigger. As the passion grew there were more and more 50cc mini bikes at home and Aaron also had a go at riding following his older brother. We used to practice in all available tracks in Sri Lanka, even in Nuwara Eliya.

Jaden officially started racing at 5+ followed by Aaron who also started at 5+. Today the boys also practice on 650cc bikes. 

In 2015, we entered both boys as a team for the Asia Cup of Road Racing held in Japan, Thailand and Taiwan. The boys brought home glory by winning the Cup. It was a historic moment, as it was the first time this prestigious Cup was won by a Sri Lankan in the 104-year history of FIM.

A: This year, Aaron was invited to India to attract young Indians to the sport. He took part in Redbull Road to Rookies (runs concurrently with the Gixxer Cup) to set a benchmark and he clocked the fastest time. So far he has completed in five events and placed 1st thrice and 3rd once. 

Jaden also got the opportunity to ride in the TVS One Make 200cc event in India. The events will help the boys on their pathway to the Redbull Rookies Cup in Spain, which runs parallel to MotoGP on the same tracks.

A: Suzuka, Motegi and Sugo in Japan, Sepang and Johor in Malaysia, Nakonchasri and Chang in Thailand, Sentul in Indonesia, Penbay Taiwan, Kari & Madras Race Circuit in India, Losail in Qatar, Guadix in Spain. 

A: It is definitely possible as both Jaden and Aaron have age on their side. The current challenge we face is that we don’t have an International standard circuit in Sri Lanka
to practice on.

In this sport, it’s all about practice, practice and more practice. We are lucky that the Madras Racing Circuit is not that far from Sri Lanka and was upgraded recently. We might use this circuit more for practices. However, practice needs more funding than the actual race day, as for example, each practice day requires a new set of racing tyres among other costs. 

A: Over 150 combined.

A: Old man has over 500 in the collection. 

A: Yes there were plenty. Initially it was hard for people to accept the fact that two kids of Jaden and Aaron’s ages were racing at a competitive level with all the associated risks involved.

That is over now as the boys have matured. We have a passion for the sport and we just kept following our hearts. I now focus on managing the kids’ racing as you cannot get to this level working on it part time. I have a dedicated team of professionals running the family business, which makes it easier for me. Other challenges we face are balancing the boy’s education and racing calendar. My wife Nalika looks after the education part while I spend most of the day managing race preparations. 

A: Motorsport in any form is risky. There is no way you can totally eliminate risk. All you can do is focus on what you can control and minimise it. To do this, the first priority is safety in everything we do, from practice to race day. Any potential hazard or risk has to be identified and a counter measure put in place.