Xagħra race on Sunday

The convoy of racing cars competing in the hillclimb and sprint championship of the ICC moves to Gozo this weekend for the fourth round of the club's competition which is being held on Sunday on the Xagħra hill.

The three hillclimbs held to date, namely those at Miżieb, Mistra and Ġnejna, have been won by three different drivers - Lino Brincat, Zach Zammit and Joshua Anastasi. With so many competitors still in with a chance, round four at Xagħra could well see a fourth name added to that elite list.

Veteran driver Brincat (Bardahl Dallara Alfa Romeo) was the winner last year in a record time of 46.803 seconds, and on present form, he could well lower that mark. But it won't be easy. Champion Hubert Camilleri is always a threat with his Silcolene Avon Chevron Cosworth as is Zammit with his ever-improving Jagger Ralt Honda.

Their main competition will come from the smaller-engined cars of Anastasi (John Bull Racing/Dunlop JBR3 Kawasaki), Paul Deguara (Motoflash Yamaha R1), Matthew Zammit (Service Express Van Diemen Suzuki GSXR) and Steve Zammit Cutajar (Tatuus Suzuki Hyabusa 1300).

However, one should never discount Gordon Farrugia (Ritemix OMS Honda Turbo) and Johan Spiteri who will be parading his new Jedi Yamaha.

The battle of the four-wheel drives will be just as intense with Mark Galea (Prestige Subaru WRX), Nikolai Degiorgio (Good Earth Lancia Integrale), Alan Curmi and others all keen to claim the honours.

The event starts at 9 a.m. with the first of two practice runs. These will be followed by the two timed runs.