Nine-year-old Maltese karting talent Yan Camilleri delivered a spectacular performance to finish third in the final race of the ACI Championship round in Sicily.

The podium finish marked the sixth race of the championship season. It stood out as one of Camilleri’s finest career displays behind the wheel, especially given the intense track conditions, which saw track temperatures soar to 47°C.

A Dramatic Multi-Car Incident and Comeback

Camilleri’s journey to the podium was an uphill battle. After qualifying well in the pre-final stages, disaster struck while he was running in fifth position (P5). He was involved in a minor collision with fellow Maltese driver Zara Vella Gauci.

The incident dropped Camilleri all the way down to 11th position (P11). Refusing to back down, he staged an impressive recovery drive to cross the finish line in fifth place. However, a post-race five-second penalty relegated him to a 7th-place grid start (P7) for the grand final.

Photo Finish Final

Starting the final race from P7, Camilleri sliced through the field with exceptional pace. He pushed his Lenzo Kart machinery to the absolute limit right up to the checkered flag.

The race concluded with an incredibly tight photo finish. Camilleri clinched third place, finishing a mere 0.075 seconds behind the runner-up and just 0.369 seconds away from the race winner.

The thrilling final race was won by drivers Manfredi Cracolici and Julian Wayne Vella, who provided spectators with an action-packed show right from the very first lap.