‘Victory’s Mine!” : Charlie Cutajar Places First at Last Year’s Mdina Grand Prix

Against all odds, Charlie Cutajar managed to place first at last year’s Mdina Grand Prix. Here he reveals the journey that led him there and how he’s faring with his Chopard Mille Miglia 2014 watch.

Originally the brainchild of French entrepreneur and classic car enthusiast Thierry Giovannini, Malta’s Classic Car Grand Prix has evolved into a weekend-long classic car tournament held on the outskirts of Mdina, the place that has lent its name to this now-iconic Grand Prix.

'Victory's Mine!" : Charlie Cutajar Places First at Last Year’s Mdina Grand Prix
CHARLIE CUTAJAR: WINNER OF THE 2014 MDINA GRAND PRIX

These days, in fact, the Mdina GP attracts many classic car racers and enthusiasts from all over the world, and the event itself has become one of Europe’s most highly-anticipated classic car tournaments.

Yet, while fleets of Jaguars, Porsches and many other well-known classic car models take part in Mdina Grand Prix, it was a trusty, vintage Escort Mark 1 that won the coveted trophy and Chopard watch last year.

At its helm, was first-time Mdina GP contender, Charlie Cutajar.

“Placing first at the Mdina GP was an incredible experience,” he tells us as we walk down the narrow, winding roads of Mdina. “It had been such a hectic and stressful lead-up to the Grand Prix that I had actually decided to not take part.


LAST YEAR’S WINNING CAR UPGRADED FOR THE 2015 EDITION

“I hadn’t driven in ages due to certain personal issues and I was sure I wasn’t going to do well if I entered. But my wife, bless her, kept pushing me to do it and reminding me of how much I wanted to take part, so I did.

“And, as anyone who knows me can vouch, I’m very competitive: If I take part in something, I’ll want to win.”

And he did win. As the driver of the other ford escort, which was just in front of him, lost control and drove head-first into a wall of hay, Charlie took advantage of the situation and took over shifting into first position just four laps before the end.

“At that point, all I could think was, ‘Is this real? Can it be real? Wow… Victory’s Mine!’” he adds enthusiastically.

On his victory, Charlie was awarded the Mdina GP Trophy, as well as the Chopard Mille Miglia 2014 watch.“I love this watch,” Charlie continues as he looks down at his wrist to admire the watch’s craftsmanship. “It’s a gorgeous watch, one that has definitely been designed with racers in mind.

“I don’t race that often, however, and so I only wear it on special occasions. It’s a conversation starter, and it’s linked to me winning the Mdina GP, which makes it all the more special!”

Against all odds, Charlie Cutajar managed to place first at last year’s Mdina Grand Prix. Here he reveals the journey that led him there and how he’s faring with his Chopard Mille Miglia 2014 watch.

Originally the brainchild of French entrepreneur and classic car enthusiast Thierry Giovannini, Malta’s Classic Car Grand Prix has evolved into a weekend-long classic car tournament held on the outskirts of Mdina, the place that has lent its name to this now-iconic Grand Prix.

The Paddock in Mdina during the 2014 edition THE PADDOCK IN MDINA DURING THE 2014 EDITION
These days, in fact, the Mdina GP attracts many classic car racers and enthusiasts from all over the world, and the event itself has become one of Europe’s most highly-anticipated classic car tournaments.

Yet, while fleets of Jaguars, Porsches and many other well-known classic car models take part in Mdina Grand Prix, it was a trusty, vintage Escort Mark 1 that won the coveted trophy and Chopard watch last year.

At its helm, was first-time Mdina GP contender, Charlie Cutajar.

“Placing first at the Mdina GP was an incredible experience,” he tells us as we walk down the narrow, winding roads of Mdina. “It had been such a hectic and stressful lead-up to the Grand Prix that I had actually decided to not take part.

Charlie Cutajar Winner of the 2014 Mdina GranPrixCHARLIE CUTAJAR WINNER OF THE 2014 MDINA GRANPRIX
“I hadn’t driven in ages due to certain personal issues and I was sure I wasn’t going to do well if I entered. But my wife, bless her, kept pushing me to do it and reminding me of how much I wanted to take part, so I did.

“And, as anyone who knows me can vouch, I’m very competitive: If I take part in something, I’ll want to win.”

And he did win. As the driver of the other ford escort, which was just in front of him, lost control and drove head-first into a wall of hay, Charlie took advantage of the situation and took over shifting into first position just four laps before the end.

“At that point, all I could think was, ‘Is this real? Can it be real? Wow… Victory’s Mine!’” he adds enthusiastically.

On his victory, Charlie was awarded the Mdina GP Trophy, as well as the Chopard Mille Miglia 2014 watch.“I love this watch,” Charlie continues as he looks down at his wrist to admire the watch’s craftsmanship. “It’s a gorgeous watch, one that has definitely been designed with racers in mind.

“I don’t race that often, however, and so I only wear it on special occasions. It’s a conversation starter, and it’s linked to me winning the Mdina GP, which makes it all the more special!”

Last year’s winning car upgraded for the 2015 edition LAST YEAR’S WINNING CAR UPGRADED FOR THE 2015 EDITION
Charlie is now gearing up tomorrow’s Mdina GP. “I’ll be driving the same Escort Mark 1 again – although I’ve upgraded the engine along with some other things.

“This will definitely be an improvement and I’ve never felt so ready for anything. So, who knows, maybe it will be my turn to win again?” he concludes.

Well, from our end, we wish you the best of luck, Charlie!

Chopard and Edwards, Lowell are once again sponsors of the Mdina Grand Prix.The winner will receive Chopard’s Mille Miglia GTS 2015 – a watch known for its power, resistance and aesthetics.



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