The 2009 season of the Island Car Club (ICC) Hillclimb Championship came to an end last Sunday with what might have well been one of the most spectacular hillclimbs ever held in Malta. The event produced thrills, spills and a surprise podium result to round off another positive season.
Set against the breathtaking setting of Ġnejna Valley, the course wound its way from the beach, across the valley floor, crossing a dipped bridge (that was taken flat out by the more aggressive competitors) through a full throttle snaking section before tackling a chicane and the sharp left-hander leading up the hill. The route culminated in a treacherous 'dogs leg' right-hander that put paid to the end-of-season ambitions of many a driver.
8 a.m. saw the parking area by the bay transformed into a makeshift paddock as 56 neatly-parked cars and their drivers prepared for a make-or-break attempt at the last points available.
Little did the participants know that only 48 would still be in contention for the final run as the course began claiming victim after victim as the runs progressed.
Drivers paid the price for failing to keep a correct line through the final corner while attempting to maintain as much momentum up the hill as possible.
None of the drivers were injured and all walked off with nothing but a bruised ego; a testament to the thoroughness of safety scrutineering carried out by the marshals prior to each race.
As the last car roared past the line, the podium for overall fastest times consisted of Hubert Camilleri in first place, Alan Curmi in second and Andrew Cassar in third place. Cassar produced a fantastic performance in his Quattro Construction Celica GT4, joining the elite group of non-single seater drivers who have managed a podium position.
The ICC has been organising the local hillclimb championship for the past 30 years. The championship is held annually and is spread over eight events. Over 50 cars take part in each event, ranging from standard production vehicles to rally spec cars and single seat race cars.
For more information on the ICC, visit the club's website www.islandcarclub.com.