Camilleri to take back seat after claiming 12th title

Island Car Club (ICC) driver Hubert Camilleri, in his Formula Chevron B43, won the 2011 ICC championship.

This annual event, featuring a series of hillclimb races, is fast gaining in popularity.

Last season was very competitive with a few young guns, relying on more modern set-ups, challenging the Chevron until the last race in Ġnejna which Camilleri won convincingly to secure his 12th title.

Out of eight races, Camilleri was first in four, had three second places and finished third in the other.

Camilleri has been racing for the past 18 years and competed in 15 championships. He purchased his current racing car from Teddy Aquilina, another veteran in hillclimb events, back in the 90s when the car was already setting the pace in local events.

Along the years, Camilleri made some extensive modifications to his car, transforming its power plant to the mighty Cosworth YB aspirated-engine which was further altered to electronic fuel injection. The handling of the car was also improved with modified strut bars and adequate shock absorbers.

Many were those who supported Camilleri in his 12th championship success.

People like Robert Cauchi, of McLaren Garage, a technician who has supervised and completed most of the modifications along with Maurice Caruana, a well-known engineer, and main supplier of Avon tyres.

Forch Tools and Silkoline Oils have also helped Camilleri along with Jason Borg, of Hiper Developments, who has been responsible for the engine-mapping since the Chevron was converted to electronic mode.

Vodafone were Camilleri’s sponsors for a number of years and more recently, Got to Be Glued and Virtu Ferries were instrumental in the successful races in Etna.

Camilleri’s family also played an important part in this adventure, supporting him and joining him as part of his team.

Camilleri is now thinking about giving the up-and-coming drivers more space and dedicate more time to his children Kurt and Keith who will both start competing and follow in their father’s footsteps.

Yet, Camilleri’s racing days are not over as he wishes to compete in a full championship abroad, probably in Sicily, and will also take part in some UK races.

Locally, he will continue to drive his Chevron (which shall be returning to his favourite red colour) but only in the main events and more for leisure and the passion which has brought him so much success.