Azzopardi powers new dragster to victory at Ħal-Far

Competitions organised by the Malta Drag Racing Association have always generated high interest among local motor sport enthusiasts who fill every nook and cranny of the stands at the Ħal-Far Raceway.

Championship races received an extra boost in 2009 with the addition of another top methanol dragster, purchased from the United States by its new owner and driver Oliver Azzopardi with the sole aim of re-writing the record books in 2010.

Azzopardi himself had flown to the United States to oversee the purchase of his dragster which was ranked among the top 10 in the trans-Atlantic motor racing scene and was under the mechanical expertise of the renowned Will Hanna.

With a recorded speed of 263 miles an hour over a quarter-final, reached in a staggering 5.30 seconds, Azzopardi was so adamant on getting to grips with his new machine that he also attended a familiarisation course.

Azzopardi's team, that also includes his brother Edmond and John Cassar, had considered tests at the Santa Pod Raceway in the UK but they eventually decided that the dragster was to make its first showing at Ħal-Far.

The initial results were indeed impressive as Azzopardi registered a new personal best over 60 feet with a timing of 0.95 seconds. Moreover, the feedback the team got was so encouraging that in the next MDRA event, it was decided to pit the new dragster against the one of established Siġġiewi team Borg Brothers.

After an anxious wait for the chief starter to press the start button, Azzopardi's dragster lifted the front wheels and flashed to victory in 5.93 seconds. The speed reached in a smooth, straight drive was 228 mph.

Mario Borg, on the Borg Brothers' dragster, encountered some problems but still managed a creditable 6.2 seconds on the day.