Chris Polidano and Kalanc Racing Team were yesterday crowned new FIA European Top Methanol Dragster champions, emulating fellow Maltese team Mr Whippy who were champions in 2012.

The last race of the champion-ship was held yesterday at the Santa Pod Raceway in England.

Organisers said more than 50,000 spectators turned up for the weekend racing series.

Polidano succeeded in securing the prestigious FIA title in the first round of eliminations as Manty Bugeja, the 2012 champion and the only pilot with a chance to win the championship, lost his race with Dennis Habermann. Bugeja had to settle for second place.

The championship started in May, touring Sweden, Finland and Germany and two rounds in the United Kingdom.

Duncan Micallef was another Maltese driver competing in Santa Pod yesterday.

He raced in the Top Fuel category, registering a couple of scorching runs but he had to retire due to engine failure in Round Two of the eliminations.