The 2012-13 series of autocross, motocross, trials and quad bikes races, once again sponsored by Pasta Poiatti, get underway on Sunday at the racetrack in Ta’ Qali.

The Motor Sport Association (ASM) did not stay idle during the summer break as upgrading works were needed, particularly to the motocross circuit.

In fact, all major repairs have been carried out in time thanks to the assistance of the Ministry of Resources and Environment and Central Asphalt Ltd as well as the efforts of a group of dedicated volunteers, notwithstanding the hot weather conditions.

The motocross championships will comprise eight events while the autocross series will feature three different track configurations.

Some motocross riders have already clocked some hours of practice on the newly-modified track. Four of them are expected to compete at the Sicilian Regional Championship in Siracusa and Agrigento this year.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Gozitan speedsters will be showing up regularly at Ta’ Qali for the ASM championships.

Moreover, trials for newcomers are currently being held on Saturday afternoons. These sessions are conducted by John and Edward Bonello who have vast experience in trials competitions, both locally and abroad.

Sunday’s opening round of the championships consists of auto-cross and motocross races.

Racing gets underway at 1 p.m. with preliminary heats from the various categories.

Motocross Class A riders Clayton Camilleri and Carmel Borg will be running with numbers 1 and 2 respectively as they are the defending champion and runner-up respectively. Numbers 1, 2 and 3 will be displayed on the Fiat Ritmo of Christian Mark Galea, the Opel of Patrick Cassar and Emmanuel Muscat’s Opel.