Camilleri clinches 12th title in Ġnejna

Hubert Camilleri secured his 12th Island Car Club (ICC) hillclimb and sprint championship after clocking the fastest time of the day at the last event of the year in Ġnejna Bay earlier this month.

This year’s final race once again proved to be a title-clincher as Camilleri had to contend with Zach Zammit and Alan Curmi who both started the day with a chance of winning the title.

The strong winds offered an additional challenge for drivers on the day as sand from the nearby beach was blown onto the track, creating patches of loose traction.

As the racing series got underway, it became evident that the result was going to be a close one and that it would be a battle fought to the last run.

With Zammit leading the way after the first run, and Camilleri close behind, the possibility of a tie emerged.

One highlight of the first run was Nikolai DeGiorgio’s impressive performance in his Lancia Integrale. He ranked fourth overall, ahead of various single-seaters in the race.

The second and final run of the day saw Camilleri covering the uphill with the fastest time of the day at 35.44. He beat Zammit by a 10th of a second to become the 2011 champion.

Jason Zammit, in his Radical, followed in third place ahead of DeGiorgio.

Teddy Aquilina was the fastest driver in Group Four and Didier Bugeja led Group 2. The fastest time in the Standard Group 1 Class was set by Joe Vella.

At the end of the race, the Island Car Club organisers showed their appreciation to all local councils and government entities involved for their continued support and cooperation throughout the year.

The new 2012 season opens in spring.