Thirty years to the month since Joe Anastasi and Alex Zammit took part in their first hillclimb in Sicily, they return this weekend not to race themselves, but to support their sons Joshua and Matthew, respectively.
A group of five hillclimb enthusiasts will, in fact, be making the trip across to Pozzallo tomorrow evening, on their way to Cesaro where the UISP organisation will be promoting the First Cesaro Hillclimb. The event has attracted a very good entry of over 200 cars in various classes.
All five Maltese will be having their baptism of fire in Sicily, including 58-year-old David Anastasi who fulfils a lifelong wish to compete abroad. He races in the "Supersalite" class for highly modified "silhouette" touring cars with his spaceframe Mini Doda which is powered by a Honda Blackbird 1200 engine. David's car is sponsored by Chilli.
This trip seems to be quite a family affair for the Anastasis and Zammits.
Joshua Anastasi, who presently leads the ICC Hillclimb and Sprint Championship, will also be participating in Sicily for the first time with his orange John Bull Racing JBR-3.
The single-seater is powered by a Kawasaki ZZR14 engine and sponsored by Dunlop tyres, Ryan's Irish Pub, and Shell oils.
His cousin Matthew Zammit also follows in his father Alex's footsteps and he will be racing this weekend with his Van Diemen Suzuki GSXR 1200, sponsored by Service Express and Dunlop tyres. Matthew's 20-year-old cousin, Zach Zammit, is entered in his extremely fast Ralt Honda 2000, sponsored by Jagger and Dunlop.
Steve Zammit Cutajar, whose father also raced in the past, will be driving his immaculate Tatuus Hyabusa 1300, sponsored by Doda Racing and Dunlop.
Asked how all this came about, an emotional Joe Anastasi explained: "Although I stopped hill climbing in Sicily a quarter of a century ago I have remained in touch with my friends there and frequently go to watch events.
"My son Joshua is doing pretty well here and I thought 'why not help him with a couple of events there too. And while I'm at it I might as well take a group up'.
"I am convinced they will all do well, and I will be disappointed if we don't come back with a few class wins and even a good overall result."
The Malta team is assisted by the Malta Motorsport Federation and the Sports Secretariat.