The 2009 season of the Island Car Club Hillclimb Championship was closed last Sunday with what might have well been one of the most spectacular hillclimbs ever held, with thrills, spills and a surprise podium result to top the season off with.

Set against the breathtaking setting of Gnejna 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, culminating in a treacherous “dogs leg” right-hander that put paid to many a drivers end of seasons ambitions.

Fifth six neatly parked cars and their drivers prepared for an all-or-nothing attempt at the last points available.

Little did the drivers know that only 48 would still be in for the final run, with the course claiminging victim after victim as the runs progressed. Most failed to maintain a correct line through the final corner while attempting to maintain as much momentum up the hill as possible.

None of the drivers was 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, with 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 Island Car Club (ICC) championship is held annually and is spread over eight events; over 50 cars attend each event ranging from standard production vehicles to rally spec cars and single seat race cars.