ASM Car Demolition, €2600 for l-Istrina

On Sunday 23rd Decemer, Assocjazzjoni Sport Muturi organised the 19th consecutive program to raise funds for Istrina and Malta Community Chest Fund. The day?s event included the 5th Championship round for the Autocross cars,  Banger racing, a Motocross Open Race and Vintage bike and bikers racing.

The much awaited car Demolition event started as scheduled at the strike of 4,00pm with the participation of 17 big sized cars which were painted in pleasant colours and many were decorated with Christmas and New Year ornaments too. The vast experience and technicalities of ASM Officers are all put down into practice during this car demolition. Cars and drivers were scrutinised for safety levels and regulations conformity. Such races have resulted in putting off the road quite a large number of VRT failure vehicles thus helping in a cleaner environment.

These cars performed two Parade Laps for all to see then all kind on banging commenced at the drop of the Start Flag. This banging lasted for about an hour and one by one the cars went to a halt except for the last couple which seemed to resist all kinds of banging and punishment. After about 20 minutes Larkin?s Butler car refused to drive further and he was declared as Runner-up to Jason Magro on a Volvo. Both were presented with special Trophies by ASM President and Vice-President among the cheers of fellow drivers and supporters.

Earlier on from 10.00am, Autocross drivers competed for three qualifying Heats to secure a place on the Start Grid of the Finals A and B races.  Patrick Cassar on his Opel Corsa won all the Heats and secured his place in Class A. Philip Joe Vella and Manuel Muscat on Opel Corsa cars together with Melo Zammit on a Ford Escort, Gordon Johnson on a Peugeot 205 and Carlos Mifsud on a Ford Fiesta also qualified for Class A.

Class B Finalists are Mario Scicluna, Malcom Borg u Ryan Scerri all driving Opel Corsa cars,  Guzi Pace on his fast vintage Ford Escort, Josef Grech u Godfrey Gauci both on a Ford Fiesta. The Class A and B Final Races were postponed to be run on Saturday 19th January 2013 at around 3.00pm

Other Autocross races were performed by a number of Gozo drivers. Dominic Zammit won the Final Race on his Alfa Sud. Zammit, Apap and Marvic Vassallo followed while Joseph Vella was also included in the Gozo Autocross winner?s list.

The Banger racers also made it to Ta Qali race Circuits in support of l-Istrina. They raced their Banger cars on the Autocross track for a change. Philip Delia on an Escort won the race ahead of Dennis Vassallo while Roderick and Luke Vassallo followed in 3rd and 4th place respectively.

On this special day, 11 Motocross riders grouped together in an Open Class race. Clayton Camilleri riding a KTM won the overall with 72 on 75 available points. Carmel Borg on his Honda CRF is runner-up wit 69 points while young Gozo rider Joseph Bigeni is 3rd with 58 points on his Suzuki RM.


The Vintage Motocross bike races were organised by ASM for the 2nd consecutive year where 15 riders registered for this particular class. One could easily see the difference between old and later Motocross bikes though these were driven by experienced riders. Cousins Stefan (Cagiva WMX) and David Dimech (KTM 125MX) won 1st and 2nd places respectively. James Zahra riding a Yamaha YZ 80 and young Kyle Camilleri on his Suzuki RM80 won 3rd and 4th place repectively.

The day's program was suspended for a while at about 13.30 hours as Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi accompanied by Parl. Secretary for Youths and Sport Clyde Puli and PL Speaker for Sport Chris Agius addressed the ASM Committee, members and spectators present. Dr Gonzi thanked ASM President Mr Frans Deguara and Secretary General Mr Johann Pace for their success during discussions on behalf of the ASM with both Government and the PL Oppostion authorities re the race tracks relocation site and for organising the ASM National competitions at a remarkable high level.

Dr Gonzi, together with Clyde Puli and Chris Agius all addressed the ASM members present and stated that they were always in favour of sport and supported ASM in its activities. They also agreed that ASM deserves a larger area for its circuits to further develop its sport events and its tracks to European standards. Dr Gonzi also expressed his satisfaction and gratitude towards Clyde Puli for his involvement towards the tracks re-location negotiations together with Dr Jason Azzopardi. It is expected that the ASM will be signing the relocation contract in a few weeks. This is another step forward towards Maltese motorsport.

ASM President Mr Deguara obo ASM presented mementos and thanked Dr Gonzi, Clyde Puli and PL Chris Agius for their continued cooperation and support throughout the years.

The distinguished visitors also exchanged the Christmas greetings with all present.

Next ASM races at Ta Qali are scheduled for the 13th January 2013.