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EDIT: What is the first rule of reporting... GET YOUR FACTS RIGHT!!

So I failed there then :-(

Paul isn't racing at the Sand Ace meeting this year... he'll be in Tayac, France for the World Longtrack Championship!

But he did have a good time in Guernsey and he was VERY fast:-)

.....Last Saturday saw one of the UK's top 500cc Slider riders make a visit to the Vazon sands.

Last Saturday saw one of the UK's top 500cc Slider riders make a visit to the Vazon sands.

Paul Cooper was over to familiarise himself with the beach conditions before the prestigious British Sand Ace Championship on July 4th.

The National Sand Ace Championship is about to hold its 10th event on the white Vazon beach and this year the quality of field - both Sliders and Sidecars - is the best ever!

This is testament to the fantastic job the organising committee of the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club do in bringing all the details together to make everything run smoothly.

I'll be covering the event again... that makes it my tenth time also!

I've just added a few pics of the warm-up race to my Galleries and from the way Paul Cooper was 'at home' on the beach I think he is likely to be one of the top runners in the Sand Ace. Make sure you make a diary date for the 4th July... the action will be amazing!
VIEW PICS OF THE JUNE 6th SAND RACING

It was a case of 'Six of the Best' at the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Bank Holiday Hillclimb with six new records set.

I spent time on nearly every bend during the day watching (and photographing) the action... and there was no shortage of that!

The racers were treated to five timed runs which is a credit to the organisation of the event and the efficient way the few 'offs' were dealt with.

The high standard of the racing was incredible to watch from the various positions I worked from with the fastest drivers producing performances that I reckon to be near 'superhuman' and very near the absolute physical limit of what man and machine can achieve?

If you noted the question mark at the end of the last sentence you will see that I wonder when that limit will be reached.

However I imagine that over the years many people have pondered the same question only to see that, remarkably, a competitor finds another tenth or two to make a new mark in the record book.

It was Glyn Ridley who cracked a major mark for all racers on the 'Terres... cracking the 30 seconds time. He now holds a permanent place in the records as the first Karter to crack 30s. The day only got better for the Ridley's when Glyn's son Daniel went on to lower his fathers old Class record in the 250 Singles.

So, as if to prove my point about records, today's fastest man in a Kart up the Guernsey hill lost one of his other records on the very day he achieved this amazing feat!

I wonder how long he will hold on to his new one?
SIX OF THE BEST... VIEW PICS OF THE HILLCLIMB

I've been photographing the Autocross 'Banger' racing down on Chouet beach for quite a few years now but last weekend's Fun Meeting was a bit more personal.

My father, as he approaches ninety years of age, has recently given up driving himself around. I hope I am still 'on the road' at a similar age... time will tell.

Having made that decision, we were left with a fairly worn-out Hyundai Getz in Seaside Blue to dispose of.

Maybe it was the name of its colour that triggered the idea that the Getz deserved one last swan-song before going to the crusher. So the car was offered to the Guernsey Autocross Club to be used in any way they chose.

That brings us to last weekend's Fun Meeting and the Inter-Insular championship... Guernsey v Jersey.

When I walked around the pits looking for the old car I needed to take a clue from the colour because once all the trimmings have been removed I find many modern cars seem to loose their identity.

But, of course, I soon found it and I met the driver who would be giving it one last burn-out... or maybe its first ever burn-out?!!

I then waited eagerly, camera at the ready, to capture the Getz's last hurrah... and it went out in style, even managing a jump off the ramp which I think was the fatal blow :-(

So it only enjoyed a short time on track but what a way to send an old lady to the crusher. I now have a few pics to show my father and they are sure to bring a smile to his face :-)

I've added a picture gallery for the Fun Meeting. Why not take a look how many times you can spot the Seaside Blue Hyundai Getz? Answers on a Postcard please.
VIEW PICS OF THE FINAL BURN-OUT OF THE HYUNDAI GETZ

The Stanley Gibbons Investment sponsored Guernsey Powerboat Association's Offshore Powerboat Championship is already attracting large crowds to see the action.

Encouraged by the bright evening there were hundreds of people lining the St Peter Port harbour wall to support Race-2 of the Championship. This was great to see as so much time (and money) is committed by the Association, helpers and of course the racers to bring Powerboat racing back to local waters.

The second race of the weekend was missing a few boats due to damage caused in Race-1 but there was still plenty of action to see at close quarters from the QE2 marina wall.

With more boats lined up for future races I fancy that Powerboating is now firmly re-established on the Guernsey scene :-)

I've added a few pics of Race-2 to a new picture gallery:
VIEW PICS OF RACE-2 OFF THE GPA OFFSHORE POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP

On your marks, get set...GO

The Guernsey Powerboat Association's promise that this season will be its best looks like it was a good one.

The 2015 Offshore Championship started with a busy Race-1. I think there were around seventeen starters (with more promised in later races), but of course there were a few who dropped out. This is to be expected as Offshore racing is a brutal business on boats and crews. There's no need to tell that to the crew who's boat sank :-(

I've seen a few pics online that show some serious troughs and moments for some racers. Somehow we managed to find the flatter seas. But these spots allowed the racers to wind up the speed... and fly!

So we have seen the potential for this years Championship... and it's good!

Bring on Race-2 tomorrow.

Pics of Race-1 are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE GPA OFFSHORE RACE-1

I missed adding a Blog on the day it actually happened but tradition has it that I try and mark each time the viewing counter for this web-site breaks through another MILLION recorded views.

The NINE MILLION figure was smassshed a couple of days ago when I was stacked with the Bank Holiday work. Hence the late Blog.

So here we have the latest landmark and it seems to confirm that when the TEN MILLION mark is passed that will herald a new 'twelve month' best of THREE MILLION views in one year! Nice.

You may have noticed that I quite like the word 'MILLION' as I have used it (in Internet swearing CAPITALS) so many times already in this Blog!

Thanks a MILLION (just one more for luck!) for the continued interest in my work and I hope you find the time to visit again soon.

Here is a link to some of the previous MILLION marking Blogs:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PREVIOUS MILLION MARKING BLOGS

What a shame about the Guernsey Spring weather.

I suppose we all think that once April is out of the way that the Summer has arrived. Of course that is really just a bit of wishful thinking. Last weekend seems to confirm that they aren't just 'April Showers'.

So all the events I attended were affected to some extent by damp conditions. In the case of the Hillclimb I guess we were lucky that it was well into the afternoon before the heavens opened by which time the competitors all had what was going to be their best time of the day.

This inevitably resulted in so many 'no-shows' coming to the start-line that racing finished early.

From my part I was relieved that the effort of carrying my umbrella around all day paid off as I avoided getting too wet. I still had more than enough shots in-the-can and those endeavours are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE RAIN AFFECTED GMC&CC HILLCLIMB

It was another busy weekend of Motorsport in Guernsey.

There was something for every-one... Sandracing, Karting, Autocross and a Hillclimb to complete the mix. There was even a 'Tri-Fest' event for visiting and local Triumph bike owners!

It's a great shame that the weather wasn't on best behaviour as all the events had to endure some spring showers but, of course, racers and bikers are a hardy bunch and I think a great time was had by all.

The 'Summer' Kart championship got under way with a very eventful race meeting during which the Clerk and other officials (including the Ambulance and Paramedics) were kept pretty busy. However they all did a fantastic job and there was plenty of action for the spectators!

I just wouldn't like to face all that paper-work!

I've added a gallery featuring some of the racing:
VIEW PICS OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSHIP

It's not shaping up to be a particularly pleasant weekend, unfortunately.

Yesterday was windy with occasional showers and the showers have been hanging around all day today.

This is a real spoiler for several events planned including the 'Trifest' gathering of Triumph bike owners. I met many of them at the Vin D'Honneur held for them at Castle Cornet after the many riders who have travelled from the UK and Europe arrived on Friday.

It is a great shame that their bike rally was spoilt by the rain today. I also suffered whilst photographing the Sandracing at Vazon.

But life and work goes on and I have uploaded the resulting pics from today's racing. I'm keeping fingers crossed that Sunday's and Bank Holiday Monday's events have better weather :-)

First pics from this busy weekend are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-2 OF THE SANDRACING CHAMPIONSHIP

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club concluded its Winter Kart Championship at The Track last Sunday.

It might have been labelled as a 'Winter' Championship but that didn't prevent plenty of hot action on the track with a great spectacle of close racing. The winter never sees as many drivers competing - some seem to hibernate through the colder months - but the slightly small entry hasn't stopped the spectators turning out knowing that the competition will provide good entertainment.

I've enjoyed photographing this seasons action and, of course, will be back for the Summer Champs! See you soon.

I've added a Gallery of pictures featuring the race 4 action:
VIEW PICS OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPS - RACE 4

Saturday saw the first Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Sand Racing meeting of 2015... and the signs are that it could be a good season :-)

The main event of the year will be the well established Sand Ace meeting later in the summer but it was clear from this first local meeting of the year that racing is going to be close. The Saloons Class produced some really good racing with signs that the Championship will be close, fingers crossed!

Then we had the spectacle of three side-car outfits on the beach with the promise of maybe one or two more to come. These are certain to pull in the crowds along the sea wall at Vazon. Lets hope the guys can keep their bikes reliable so we see some close racing.

So things are well set-up for a memorable season... see you at the next meeting.

Pics are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST SAND RACING MEETING OF 2015

Now that is what I call a top weekend... or at least I will when my aching bones feel better ;-)

I think I should have gone into a training regime before the non-stop shooting this Bank Holiday. I always forget how tiring it is to carry so much heavy kit hung around my neck! No wonder so many Sports photographers walk with a stoop... I'm well on the way myself :-(

But the pain is nothing that a hot shower can't fix... and I now have the reward of some great action shots.

The latest Gallery update is for the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club's Bank Holiday Hillclimb.

This event was interrupted by a major oil spill along a length of track stretching from the start-line all the way into the tunnel. I think there was an immediate fear that the whole day could be lost as this happened during the early practice runs, but after the competitors pulled together with every broom on the hill a safe clearance was made and the fun could start again. Well done everyone.

So, with good racing weather (and for taking pics) I managed to capture plenty of action and I've had a restful day sitting on my behind editing the results.

There has already been over 40,000 views of my weekends work so I'm well chuffed. Thanks for all the interest!

Hillclimb pics are now online:
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC BANK HOLIDAY HILLCLIMB

Well, it has taken a while. Sixty years to be precise! But today I have discovered that I have an exceptional talent.

Now I know that some of you will not be surprised by this (at least my family won't be... I hope!) However for the rest of you who might have missed my special gift I'll explain.

Today I have shown that men can indeed multi-task!

I'm not sure if this is a first, but the fact that I have just completed a full edit of my pictures of the Autocross Summer Championship whilst actually watching Andy Priaulx race in the British Touring Car Championship must position me up there with some of the greatest (male) talents the world has ever seen!

OK, maybe I'm taking this a (little) bit too far but I'm dead chuffed! This weekend was always lined up as a very busy one for me and the need to keep on top of the shoots was important if I am to tick off a few of the jobs my missus has on her 'to-do' list next week :-(

If things continue to go this well I can see that steam-cleaning my cottage walls and a bit of painting will feature in next weeks work load.

Thinking about it, maybe I haven't been so bright after all!

Pics of the Autocross can be viewed here:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND-3 OF THE AUTOCROSS SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP

With Andy Priaulx taking pole on his return to the British Touring Car Championship the weekend was already looking pretty good.

Then there was the local action to look forward to and it started on the coast road at Vazon with the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Sprint meeting... nice!

It was a little chilly down at Vazon making me think about borrowing a couple of tyre warmers to ease the cold... but the bikers wanted them for themselves ;-(

I've been burning the midnight oil to get a full-action gallery of pics from the Sprint on-line. It is definitely a case of keeping up with the editing as the weekend is going to be so busy... Autocross, Hillclimb and Gigs, here I come!

Sprint pics can be viewed here:
VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST SPRINT OF 2015

Well the title should say it all...

I've no time to talk, so this is a very quick quickie update :-)

I've uploaded a new Gallery featuring Round 3 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Winter Kart Championship:
VIEW PICS OF ROUND 3 OF THE WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP

On Saturday I had the best 'work office' that anyone could wish for.

I was taking pics of the first day of the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club's annual 2-Day Trials meeting and this was happening on the hillside over-looking Fort Grey and Portelet Harbour.

Now, if you are a local person, you will already know what an amazing spot this is when the sun is out and the sea is blue.

If you have never visited Guernsey then I promise you that the view would rival the very finest in the world... and like I said, this is where I did a days work. Well somebody has to do it ;-)

Day 2 wasn't quite so amazing, but hey, you have to take the rough with the smooth!

If you want to get an idea of what I am talking about take a look at the new picture gallery. Unfortunately you really had to be there for the full effect:
VIEW PICS OF THE GMC&CC 2-DAY TRIALS

There was a fair bit of action in my weekend...

The mix of assignments included 'fast and furious' (read Autocross racing and Karting).

Then there was the fantastic action and atmosphere at Footes Lane for the E H Trophy Hockey Semi-final where Guernsey took a 2-0 win over Didsbury Northern. (see my previous Blog).

Finally it was action of a more controlled nature at the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Two-Day Trials meeting which took place around the beautiful Guernsey coastline together with some inland Sections.

So you can imagine I was kept 'in action' myself whilst chasing around to the various events... but I'm certainly not complaining!

It is a privelage to live on this wonderful Island which offers such a diverse amount of subjects for a professional photographer to capture in all their drama.

I've just added a new Gallery featuring Round-2 of the Guernsey Autocross Club's Summer Banger Racing Championship.

More pics of the weekends action will follow...
VIEW PICS OF THE GUERNSEY AUTOCROSS CLUB'S BANGER RACING

If you are a regular reader of this Blog you will know that I'm always going on about the quality of light... of course I am as that is the essential element needed for me to work.

It's also a big plus when I'm on an outdoor shoot if the temperature is biased towards warm and comfortable as well :-) The previous Autocross race was a huge fail on that count!

So it was a second treat in a row for me (as it was pleasantly warm) on Sunday when I had to spend a couple of hours on Chouet Beach taking action pics of the Autocross Club's Banger racing. This was after Saturday's sunny day spent on the cliffs for the Motocross. Nice work when you can get it!

Maybe I will complain (a little) about the quality of light on Sunday as it was cold and dull... here I go again!

However there is never time to think too much about that when photographing Banger racing. The action is so non-stop and you have to spend your time 'watching your back' in case the cars leave the track.

This is both scary and exhilarating at the same time, but hey, somebody's gotta do it ;-)

My action shots are now on-line:
VIEW PICS OF THE AUTOCROSS BANGER RACING

The first half of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Motocross Championship is complete... normal racing will resume in the Autumn.

However Race-4 went out with a climatic bang (so to speak). The weather was fantastic on the glorious Guernsey cliffs with the track drier than all the previous rounds... it even became a little dusty!

The pay-off for those racing, marshalling and photographing was that it was a very pleasant experience.

Maybe this is why I ended up with nearly two hundred pics - 'make hay whilst the sun is shining' is the saying, I think :-)

I've added a new gallery to feature today's Motocross racing:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-4

VIEW PICS OF THE MOTORCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
I'm pleased to say that the whole weekend wasn't a 'wet wash-out'.

My previous Blog made more than a mention of the awful weather that accompanied the last race of the Autocross season. The conditions weren't quite right for spending time on the beach! The pics don't show-off Chouet beach at its best!

But for the other two Motorsport events I covered over the weekend it was only a cold wind that troubled me :-)

On Saturday I leant into the wind on the cliffs at Pleinmont for the Motorcross action. Then it was the relative shelter offered at The Track for the latest round of the Kart Championship on Sunday.

Pics are now online....
VIEW PICS OF THE KART CHAMPIONSHIP