Hubert Camilleri became the fifth different winner in eight hill climbs organised by the Island Car Club (ICC) this year, when he recorded the fastest time of the day to win the eighth and final round of the championship at Ġnejna on Sunday.
Without a win in his previous 13 races, Camilleri ended his drought in emphatic style, leading proceedings throughout the day. He was at the wheel of his Silkolene Avon Chevron Cosworth, just as he had when he won the Etna Hill Climb in September.
Despite the strong winds, the Ġnejna hill climb attracted an entry of 58 cars. However, a few of these failed to turn up for one reason or another. These included Lino Brincat, Zach Zammit, Matthew Zammit and 2008 champion Joshua Anastasi.
With four runs completed by noon, the event was another feather in the ICC's cap, but despite the fact that this was the last round there was no room for complacency.
In fact, most times tumbled as plenty of personal bests were registered. Johan Spiteri, driving his Jedi Yamaha, showed that his progress was no fluke and had the second fastest time of the day to place second overall, his best result ever.
Paul Deguara clipped a chicane with his Motoflash Yamaha and had to be content with third place.
Perhaps, the biggest surprise of the day came from Nikolai De Giorgio. He blasted up the hill with his Lancia Delta Integrale in a record time to claim fourth place overall, and the honour of best touring car.
By the end of the two practice runs, Steve Zammit Cutajar was showing encouraging signs that he could place his Tatuus Hyabusa close to the top of the standings, but a slight misjudgment on Run 3 put paid to any further improvement.
Gordon Farrugia steered his potent OMS Honda in the top six.
Mark Galea was another victim of that last corner when he buckled a wheel of his Subaru Impreza but David Anastasi took Group 5 honours, as well as placing eighth overall with his Mini Doda Honda.
Other notable performances came from Edward Calleja in his Lotus Honda, a just reward after his bad luck in Sicily, Mark Micallef, who drove his father's Alfasud, Domenic Zammit, who braved the weather and crossed the channel from Gozo, newcomer Adam Galea, who placed 20th overall in his first attempt, Jan Sammut, following in his father's footsteps with his smart Lotus, and Aldo Laferla who at, over 70, still gives the young ones a run for their money.
But the day belonged to Camilleri.
"It was a relief to be on the top step here in Malta again after 13 races," he said.
"I hope to do it a bit more often next year."