Micallef repeats victory at Kalkara Hill Climb

This location had last been staged a few years back. The hard work coupled with support from both Kalkara council and local authorities made this event all happen.

The heat was already steaming during the morning drivers' briefing, with drivers suffering to keep their race overalls on. The 51 participants were all parked along Rinella's picturesque bay anxiously awaiting the green light to start off racing up the 1.2 km long track.

Along the track one instantly notices that turn three besides the unevenness on the surface and the shining tarmac was definitely going to be a difficult variable for all drivers. One handicap was that the drivers had no experience whatsoever and the first practice run which started off just after 9.00am was a massive learning curve for all. Here one identifies the different characters racing up the hill, the modest racer who was taking the track with caution, others were trying harder with the cars dancing around on the shiny and dusty surface yet showing ability in keeping the close approaching walls at bay. One of the good things about hill climbs is that one can appreciate various parts of the track between one session and another always obeying instructions received from the dedicated marshals who are the unsung heroes of such events.

The first timed runs were marking extremely competitive times, however a few disappointments were evident, lack of grip, misfire were being displayed. However the condition of the track was drilling down to driver ability, interesting was turn two where practically all were adopting a unique racing line, rear left wheel lifting was the talk of town. Noel Galea once more gave a spectacular run on his new light blue Escort Mk 2, trying to tame the awesome power whereas Andrew Cassar pushed his white 4-wheel drive turbo Celica to absolute limits sporadically driving on two wheels in a truly impressive manner.

Radical power was more evident mingling well with the open wheel racers of group 6, showing that this year the front runners will definitely be a mix from all present. Once more watching all participants coming up the hill, one has to definitely give them praise for all present with the professional approach from driving and technical preparation.

Second timed run, the time was being decreased once more showing adaptability however there were competitors who somewhat failed to improve, temperatures were soaring high with the blazing sun ahead however the event was just getting better.

The final run was a close heat between the top three drivers resulting that once more Mark Micallef driving his Auto Trader Malta MBL radical took the top spot on the podium with a cracking time of 44.908sec. He was closely followed by reigning champion Zach Zammit in his Urban Jungle Ralt who managed a time of 44.983sec. Multi-time champion Hubert Camilleri in his McLaren Garage Chevron settled for third place with a time of 45.665sec. Following were Jason Muscat, Ivan Paul Deidun and James Dunford.

Andrew Cassar in his Toyota Celica GT was the only saloon road car to figure among the single-seaters and Radicals in the top positions, claiming fastest four-wheel drive time and quickest in Group 2.

Noel Galea of Group 3, produced an emphatic performance in his light blue Ford Escort Mk2. He was fastest rear wheel drive, ranking 12th overall.

Another excellent drive came from Didier Bugeja. He was fastest of the front-wheelers in his Peugeot 106 Gti.

Alex Zammit won best performance in the veteran cathegory, achieving an excellent time of 48.000sec in his Radical Pro Sport, ranking 7th overall.

Once more it was a great event notwithstanding the outside factors that did delay certain runs. Finally, well done to all from committee members, all helpers, drivers, machines, council members and authorities who helped to have such an event. It would be great if with summer coming up some dedicated late afternoon events should be organized clearly illustrating that in Malta the motor sport community is an exciting chapter within our society.

The hillclimb at Kalkara wrapped up with a prize-giving celebration held at the Regatta Club. Minister for Transport and the Infrastructure Hon. Joe Mizzi together with the mayor of Kalkara Speranza Chircop presented trophies to the winners.

The next round of the Grimaldi Hill climb championship is due to be held on the 19th May at Mtahleb, Rabat.