Curmi on top in Cesaro
Alan Curmi during the hill climb in Cesaro.
Grimaldi Team Malta driver Alan Curmi made it two out of two for Maltese drivers when he emulated Zach Zammit's 2008 performance to win this year's Trofeo Citta di Cesaro, held in Sicily last weekend.
There were 120 drivers taking part in this popular hill climb over two days with scrutineering held on Saturday morning. The road was closed for free practice during the afternoon, then three runs up the three-kilometre hill on Sunday followed by the presentation of awards in the village square by the Mayor of Cesaro and other dignatories.
Five Maltese drivers and cars made the trip on the Grimaldi ferry on Thursday, headed by Team manager Joe Anastasi. These consisted of three single-seater racing cars for Patrick Gauci (Hawke Kawasaki), Alan Curmi (JBR-3 Kawasaki) and current ICC hill climb champion Joshua Anastasi (JBR-4 Kawasaki), and two saloons driven by Nikolai Degiorgio (Lancia Delta Integrale) and Etienne Grech (Citroen AX GTI).
Having had plenty of practice, and no trouble with the cars whatsoever on Saturday, the Malta team woke with optimism on Sunday.
Racing started at 9.30 a.m. and it was immediately clear that not only were all five Grimaldi Team cars impressive, but they were also making very competitive times.
In fact, at the end of the first of the two timed runs, Curmi headed the time sheets comfortably, much to the delight of mechanic Simon Muscat. This was Curmi's first overall win, and it couldn't have come at a better place.
Curmi was followed by Joshua Anastasi, and this is how it remained throughout the day.
Degiorgio had the crowds cheering whenever he drove up the hill, the black Lancia sounding as impressive as ever, and gaining another class win, and Grech was enjoying a real ding-dong with the many other competitors in his class.
Gauci was the only one not having a trouble-free day, his car jumping out of gear at the most inopportune of moments.
At the presentation, the Grimaldi Team was singled out for its sportsmanship and team spirit, and, of course, for the outstanding performance of the cars.
"These are the sort of compliments I like to hear," team manager Joe Anastasi remarked.
"It's the sort of encouragement that makes one go on, despite the many difficulties. I too am delighted with the performance of all our boys, and very proud to be managing such an excellent group of drivers."
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Alfred Farrugia
Aug 17th 2009, 15:45
Motor racing is expensive and that is the reason why 40 years ago an association was established as a limited liability company. Everybody thought then that it was meant to generate profits, but the real purpose was to try and attract investors to establish motor sports on a sound professional footing to cover the expenses involved.
What is the cost of the football stadium and other sports facilities created by the public authorities over the past 40 years, and how much was spent on motor sports?
Where are all the agents and importers of cars, engines and accessories, and other corporations? Why cannot our drivers find sponsors as is the case abroad? Are the clubs and the Federation pooling their resources to make the next steps in this sport, given the talent of our drivers?
We need to find ways and means of pulling the same rope so that our drivers get the support they need, and the followers get the opportunity to watch safe and interesting competitions on our islands as well. The Grimaldi Team Malta is an excellent beginning but more needs to be done with all the support it can get.
Joe M. Anastasi
Aug 16th 2009, 23:44
Alfred and Chris, thanks for your constant encouragement. Like you I believe that despite our constant difficulties, Malta has produced some outstanding drivers, and the present youngsters are doing us proud, time and time again.
Alfred, re CSAI, Joshua's car is fully FIA homologated and certified up to 2012. I actually investigated doing some CSAI hill climbs this season but the red tape and incredible expense involved is prohibitive.
I have your e mail address. I'll e mail you details.
Regards
Joe.
Alfred Farrugia
Aug 15th 2009, 17:05
I wish to congratulate all Maltese drivers for their performance, and Alan and Joshua for the excellent results. It is a pity that the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport apparently declined the invitation by the Mayor to be the guest of honour because he could have joined the celebrations. How many football clubs achieve away wins in this way?
I do not understand why such excellent news was not splashed in the sports sections of all the Maltese media last Monday!
May I suggest that our drivers compete in CSAI events as well to show that they are capable of doing well in FIA events. I wish Joe and his team continued success.
Motor sports followers may wish to take note of the video of the start and the full results.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7CyRrHoNEE
http://www.engineweb.it/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=76&Itemid=66
Chris Borg
Aug 15th 2009, 15:13
Good Afternoon,
Well done Alan on achieving such a great result Clearly the natural talent in motor sports is in abundance. It is evident that if a track was built, we would not have a problem in producing a world class driver.
Best Regards,
Chris .Borg.
Msida.