Opening round of ICC hillclimb championship

Sunday, March 18 marked the start of the 2007 Island Car Club (ICC) Championship at Gnejna Bay.

The weather turned out to be fine despite the rain forecast. Eventually, the event was a success with 50 cars revving their way along the race course in front of a large number of spectators.

The highlight of the opening round of the championship was provided by Giancarlo Santeara.

He journeyed from Sicily to Malta in his highly modified Group N Citroen Saxo VTS official rally car to take part in the hillclimb race.

The series witnessed some intense competition. Hubert Camilleri placed first in his Chevron with a best run of 35.24 seconds.

Lino Brincat steered his Dallara to second place with a run of 36.68 and Nicolai Degiorgio, at the wheel of his impressive Lancia Integrale, was third in 38.53.

Sound driving skills were the order of the day but two outstanding performances were those of Paul Deguara, with his new R1 engine, and Zach Zammit who was driving his Ralt Cosworth for the first time.

The next championship race will be held on Saturday at Mistra Bay, starting at 9 a.m.

Organisers are expecting another 50-car entry to compete in the various categories.