Malta wins the FIA European Top Methanol Drag Racing Championship 2012

This is the first time ever that such a prestigious FIA title was won by a Maltese team. The European Finals were held at Santa Pod in United Kingdom. Close to 300 teams, and 16 race classes took part in this event, bringing this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing. Chris Polidano from the Kalanc Racing Team, who also competed in this FIA Championship, finished runner-up after Manty Bugeja, beating all foreign contenders up to the second place of the classification. The Championship had 6 events running from 2 at Santa Pod in UK, 2 in Sweden, one in Finland and one in Hockenheim, Germany.

The FIA Finals at Santa Pod were followed by more than 40,000 spectators, which was also streamed live registering more than 3.5million hits for the weekend. A contingent of more than 500 Maltese drag racing enthusiasts travelled to Santa Pod to watch and support the Maltese teams.

Manty Bugeja started the finals 1st qualifying session by taking the lead with a top time of 5.3257sec speeding up to 266.74miles for the quarter mile. Chris Polidano kept the pressure, improving throughout the qualifying sessions placing himself behind Manty after the 3rd qualifying session with a 5.3842 at 266.81miles, the only teams in the 5.3sec bracket

Sunday’s FIA finals were entirely dominated by the determination of both Maltese teams, beating all contenders to close this FIA Championship with an all Maltese Final. With this achievement, the Championship was automatically won by Manty Bugeja of Mr. Whippy Racing Team while Chris Polidano of Kalanc Racing Team, managed to collect those 5 points to secure the second place in the FIA Championship. The event final race was won by Manty Bugeja with a 5.36sec run, with Chris Polidano very closely with a 5.54sec.

 ‘A dream coming true!’ was Manty first’ comments. ‘The team worked brilliantly throughout the season, and although the weather was not always on our side during the championship, we kept our hopes high that we can make it. This is a great honour for us to bring this prestigious FIA Championship title to our island. We did it!’ Thanks to all the supporters that travelled here to Santa Pod and all those who supported our venture throughout the Championship!

Motorsport enthusiasts are urged to welcome the Champions and Runner-up at Malta International Airport on their arriving on Tuesday 11th September 2012 at 15.00hrs from Heathrow on flight KM101.

Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) and Malta Drag Racing Association (MDRA) would like to take this occasion to congratulate the FIA European TMD Champions Manty Bugeja of Mr. Whippy Racing Team and Runner-up Chris Polidano of Kalanc Racing Team.