The fifth round of the 2012-13 Assoċjazzjoni Sport Muturi championship was held on Sunday in Ta’ Qali.

As usual, a sizeable crowd gathered at the circuit but there was added interest on this occasion as the ASM organised the annual Demolition Derby (the 19th in a row) which helped to raise over €2,600 for charity.

The afternoon demolition race was contested by 17 cars, all painted in bright colours – some also sporting Christmas decorations.

After nearly an hour of car banging and jousting on the track, it was Jason Magro who emerged winner at the wheel of his Volvo with Larkin Butler the runner-up.

During the mid-day break, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi toured the circuit and met spectators and competitors.

Dr Gonzi, who was accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli, reaffirmed his support for the motor sport organisation which has developed and grown remarkably over the past few years.

During talks, held earlier this year, it was agreed that the ASM requires a larger area to cater for its members as well as to hold more competitions on a modern circuit of an international standard.

In a statement, the ASM said it was satisfied with the proceedings and expects to sign a re-location contract with the authorities in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, the day’s racing had started with the qualifying heats fromthe Autocross A and B divisions along with a series of displays from Gozitan drivers.

Patrick Cassar (Opel Corsa) was the dominant driver in Class A, winning all three heats, while the Class B finalists are Mario Scicluna, Malcolm Borg, Ryan Scerri, Gużi Pace, Josef Grech and Godfrey Gauci.

The Autocross finals will be held on January 19.

Also on Sunday, 11 motocross riders were grouped in an Open Class race.

Clayton Camilleri, riding a KTM, was the undisputed winner with 72 points from the 75 available on the day.

Carmel Borg (Honda CRF) placed second with 69 points and young Gozitan Joseph Bigeni (SuzukiRM) was third on 58 points.