The endeavours of the many Maltese motorsport enthusiasts who cross the channel to practise their sport at a higher level are attracting a lot of publicity for our country.
Adorned with ‘Visitate Malta’ (Visit Malta) stickers, David Anastasi’s Mini Doda captured even more attention than the race winner Leogrande himself recently.
Anastasi was fulfilling a lifelong dream by racing in the Coppa Monte Erice, one of only two FIA championship hillclimbs held annually in Sicily.
On the same weekend at Racalmuto’s Autodromo Valle dei Templi, some 20 Maltese drivers challenged their Italian peers in a direct clash on the 2.6 kilometre track during the third round of this year’s Time Attack championship.
Josef Calleja, driving his impeccably-prepared GFI Subaru Impresa,was again the fastest of the popular Maltese contingent, but other drivers either bettered their times or won their respective classes. More importantly, they thoroughly enjoyed their two-day venture at the Racalmuto circuit.
Adrian Muscat Azzopardi gave his Lotus Elise a perfect baptism, winning his class in the process.
Neil Falzon had a busy weekend setting up his Subaru Impresa, finishing third in the competitive Racing class. Nikolai Degiorgio (Lancia Delta Integrale), and Steve Calleja (Mazda RX7) also made the most of the hours of tracktime available to improve their cars.
Roderick Borg went quietly about his business and improved his lap times steadily to place second in the Pro class with his Subaru Impresa.
Edward Calleja was glad to be back at Racalmuto with his Lotus Elise. He improved on his previous best lap time too.
More colour was added to the Racalmuto weekend by the Toyota Supra of George Zarb, and the Honda S2000s of Darren Brownrigg and Nicky Xerxen, with added variety coming from the Porsches of Keith Cardona and Jackson Agius, the Ferrari of Robert Zammit, the Mitsubishi EVOs of Joe Montebello and Johann Meli, the BMWs of Clint Busuttil and Alan Zerafa, and the interesting Alfa Romeo-powered Skoda of Ivan Vella.
This weekend, Racalmuto will again be ringing to the sounds of Maltese racing cars.
Adam Bugeja has just finished a complete rebuild of his potent little OMS Kawasaki. He will be looking to challenge for class honours in the 1300 Formula class.
Sunday’s event will be the second in this year’s popular Campionato Siciliano di Velocita, so well promoted by AICS.
Virtu Ferries have been most helpful towards the Maltese motorsport fraternity. Without their help, none of this would be possible.