After about nine years away from the sport, Trials bikers are back at the ASM Race Tracks at Ta’ Qali. A new Trials Nursery was established some months ago with full support from the ASM Committee.
Training and tuition held every Saturday from 3pm has attracted quite a number of youths to practice this sport. John Bonello is coaching the class. John is a Trials veteran, an ex-Trials Champion with vast local and foreign experience. His brother Eddie helps too and controls the competitions.
ASM is finalising negotiations to bring over technical coaches for the Trials and Motocross riders too. FMI and UEM will provide the technicians for the Maltese riders.
Following a number of hours of tuition in Trials, last Sunday 30 October, ASM organised the first competition at Ta’ Qali.
Fourteen competitors registered for this competition which consists of six sections in different locations within the ASM premises.
The 14 riders were divided into Group B for Novices and Group A for the experienced riders. Class ‘A’ was won by veteran Robert Caruana of great Trials experience. Yet he lost 17 points during the six sections on the day.
Young promising Nick Farrugia, on a Montesa, placed second with 20 points. Third place was won by Carmel Borg on his Sherco with 20 penalty points during the 18 lap sections.
David Dimech, on a Beta Trials bike, won his Class B with 17 points. Second place was won by Wayne Zahra on his GasGas with 21 points. Newcomer Emanuel Camilleri on a Sherco placed third in Class B with 25 points. Class B was very competitive as one can note that only ten points separate the winner from the last competitor in this class.
Tomorrow’s activities start with Holy Mass being said at the race circuit at 10.30am. This will be said in remembrance and for the repose of souls especially for deceased ASM members. The day’s race programme starts immediately afterwards and it includes races for Autocross and for the Motocross bikers in classes A, B and the Junior Class too.
With reference to the Championship chart, Patrick Cassar, on his Opel, is leading the Class A. Runner-up is Christian Galea on his Fiat Ritmo and Melo Zammit on a Ford Escort. The B Class leader is Carmelo Zammit sharing same points as Joseph Calleja. Third place is also shared by Philip Joe Vella and Matthew Grech.
Clayton Camilleri is leading the Motocross Class A on his KTM, David Dimech is second on his Kawasaki and Carmel Borg is third on his Suzuki RM. Class B leader is Charles Borg with Turu Micallef in second place and Renato Mizzi is third overall. All the three leaders in Class B ride Honda CRF bikes.
Pre-race training sessions take place today between 10am and 4pm. The Trials Nursery class starts at 3pm. Tomorrow’s programme starts at 10.30am.