Monty Bugeja and Joe Carabott’s Mr Whippy Team received a rousing welcome yesterday as the newly-crowned European Top Methanol Dragster champions returned home following their triumph in the FIA championship which came to a close in Santa Pod, last weekend.
On Sunday, Bugeja wrapped up the prestigious title when he outpaced fellow countryman Chris Polidano, of Kalanc Racing Team, to victory in the sixth and final race of the 2012 series to cement top spot in the standings.
Polidano leapfrogged German Dennis Habermann into second place to complete a Malta double in the championship.
The noisy crowd that gathered at airport gave a rapturous reception to the motor sport team and a huge roar greeted Carabott and Bugeja as they showed up with the champion-ship trophies.
Among those wishing them well were Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli, Tonio Cini, president of the Malta Motorsport Federation, and Polidano himself who had arrived earlier in the day.
Bugeja told The Times success was owed to teamwork and cohesion inside the garage.
“This result is the fruit of months of hard work,” he said.
“Success was achieved after an all-round effort and I have to single out Joe Carabott and the Mr Whippy crew for their contribution and support. Without their passion and motivation it would have been impossible for us to fulfil our dream.
“I would also like to mention the numerous drag racing followers in Malta. They have always been behind us in this venture abroad.
“Now, we expect that the results obtained by us and Kalanc Racing Team will attract more people and backing to our sport.”
Asked to describe his feelings in having to face another Maltese pilot in Sunday’s final, Bugeja said: “Having two Maltese dragsters in the final was a great promotion to Maltese motor sport.
“Obviously, when you’re on the start line your only thought is to beat your opponent, that happens in all sport I suppose.
“But we have great respect for Chris and his team.”
This has also been an outstanding season for Polidano but they’re already setting sights on next year’s FIA races.
“This was our first championship where we races in all venues.
“So, given the circumstances, we should be happy with our position,” Polidano said.
“At first, we were not pleased with the fine-tuning in our dragster so we called in American Jerry Darry. After that, our runs improved.
“We shall try to strike a deal with Jerry for 2013. Our goal is to be more competitive and win races.”
Final standings
1. M. Bugeja (MLT) 467; 2. C. Polidano (MLT) 328; 3. D. Habermann (GER) 323; 4. D. Wilson (GBR) 316; 5. T. Habermann (GER) 309; 6. P. Schofer (GER) 206; 7. K. Johansson (SWE) 190; 8. E. Raisvuo (FIN) 100.