News / Blog - Motorsport News

Does this sound like a cracked record?
It does, doesn't it?
Well a dry and dusty track was what greeted the competitors and this photographer at yesterdays Motocross meeting in Guernsey. This was 'more of the same' as other recent mettings.
Parts of the track had been well watered before racing began which helped improve the conditions but it was always inevitable that I would return home with a 'sand tan'! The cameras didn't escape either.
It wasn't all bad though. I was able to position myself for some of the racing in places that captured the 'roosters of dust' that were being thrown into the air.
A new Gallery has been added. If you like what you see maybe you will consider pressing 'BUY NOW' beneath your favourite pic. There are various options for prints and canvases. You can even buy a digital file for Facebook.
By supporting your local photographer you will encourage me to maintain the commitment I give to local Motor Sport - end of the big sell ;-)
Pics online here: VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS PICTURE GALLERY

I'm often asked by fellow photographers and clients about the 'kit' I use.
There is no doubt that for many photographers part of the enjoyment in taking a pic is the equipment they get to use. There is also no doubt that some photogs take the choice of their kit to an extreme level! They can become unreasonable, agressive and perhaps blinded in their allegiance to a favourite manufacturer.
Right at this moment there is a (sometimes heated) debate in progress about the two leading Professional brands - Nikon & Canon. Each Company has two 'top-of-the-range' bodies already available or due shortly. The Nikon D4 & D800 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark III & EOS-1DX.
I try and steer clear of this debate - I am heavily committed to the Nikon system (with a large collection of lenses, flashes etc) and don't really have a choice ;-)
  ....... but I do think that my choice of Nikon has been a good one over recent years. The D3 and D3s have been fantastic for my low light gig photography and have perhaps 'given me an edge' over the competition. Always handy, eh ;-)
The next few months will reveal if Canon have got closer in performance... the debate will continue.
  So perhaps it was inevitable (wasn't it?) that a Nikon D4 & D800 would be added to my kit! I am now in the process of getting to know them and they are VERY GOOD! I will bring a few updates on my findings during the next few weeks.
Having said all of the above, I think one of the most important pieces of kit is often overlooked by many photographers. This is their monitor. It is the interface between you and your finished work. It is where every judgement regarding colour and contast is made. However I have been amazed at some of the screens I have seen in use.
My advice to you if you are embarking on the pastime of photography is for you to allocate a decent part of your budget to a quality monitor. There are plenty of web sites offering helpful advice.
  This brings me to the real reason for this post. I have used a dual monitor set-up for many years and when one of them became difficult to calibrate I decided to buy a replacement. After looking at Eizo and NEC I decided to go with the NEC Spectraview REFERENCE 301. This is a 30" High Gamut monitor and it calibrates superbly with the X-rite i1 Display.
I am also loving the 2560 x 1600 pixels in 16:10 format which give plenty of space and an enlarged vertical compared to the more common 16:9 proportions. I highly recommend this superb monitor.
  My new desk layout is shown above... nice!
Whatever monitor you use it is normally possible to improve its colour and tone reproduction using the built-in utility or graphics card program on your system. Give it a try.
This graphic will help you judge if you have a reasonable calibration.

There was no argument in the pits when competitors were asked about the weather - only about the words used to describe it!
Brilliant, fantastic, unbelievable, superb, mega.... you get the idea!
The afternoon was as good as a summer's day and the conditions bought out a nice selection of new machinery and 'winter modifications'.
Needless to say a few Class records were broken and the tone was set for the rest of the seasons racing.
Undoubtedly we will see records lowered throughout the year... if we can have more brilliant, fantastic, unbelievable, superb & mega weather, please?
I have added a new Gallery of pics featuring the first GK&MC Sprint at Vazon:
GK&MC VAZON SPRINT PICS

There were a couple of other Motor Sport events held over last weekend and I popped along to both of them. The only similarity between the two is that they are both 'circuit racing' events.
Like I said, that is the only way they come close in their formats!
The first meeting was the latest round of the GK&MC Kart Championship at the Track. Karting is Non-contact (in theory) and races are held on a nice clean tarmac surface.
  In complete contrast, the second event was the Guernsey Autocross Club's 'Banger' racing on Chouet beach.
Down on the sands the gentle nudge of a fellow competitor is all part of the fun and when this is combined with the loose sand surface which deteriorates as more races are completed the end result is perhaps the best Motor Sport held in Guernsey for entertaining the crowds. Passengers are also allowed in the cars - if you can find one mad enough!
I love the circuit racing classes as it opens up more opportunities for a photographer - but you do have to keep both eyes open when racing cars are hurlting past you with their drivers blinded by the sand!
The Galleries have been updated with the latest action:
THE LATEST AUTOCROSS PICS
THE LATEST KARTING PICS

I've said it before, but I can't help mentioning it again.
The Motor Sport of Motocross is meant to be a winter sport in Guernsey but you would never guess it! Meeting after meeting the weather has been fantastic. Am I tempting fate by talking about it? Watch this space!
So once again I found myself in a very pleasant place on the southern cliffs of Guernsey capturing the action.
Unfortunately the day was split by other photo jobs which were indoors, I guess nothing's perfect ;-)
The Gallery has been updated with the latest Motocross pictures. Follow this link to view them: MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP 10-03-20122

The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club held their annual 2-day bike trials meeting this weekend. Sections were laid out on the south coast cliffs, some west coast beaches and on a hillside inland from Vazon bay.
The event remains really popular with visiting riders and once again had a good turn-out from France, Jersey and the UK.
On Saturday we were spoilt by the beautiful, sunny weather. It all went 'pear shaped' on Sunday morning though when heavy rain arrived. Yuck.
I was not impressed by the wet muddy conditions but I was assured by several competitors that 'it is perfect for trials'... strange bunch!
The Galleries have been updated with a selection of pics... you will note that there is a lack of pics in the torential rain... OK call me a wimp!
Follow this link to view the pics: 2-DAY BIKE TRIALS PICTURES

I have just been watching the national news and one of the headline stories was highlighting the lack of rainfall in some areas of the UK.
This got me thinking about Guernsey and how long ago it is that I had to endure working with my camera kit in heavy rain. It was a good while ago!
The odd thing is that, whilst it can be pretty miserable standing out all day in torrential rain trying to protect delicate and expensive camera equipment, when I get back to the studio and edit the pics it is often that the resulting pictures feature high up my list of favourites!
Quite why this is can be argued. Perhaps the pics really are more dynamic and special... or maybe it is just that I recall the 'suffering' that went into their capture?
But I have digressed. The last weekends Motor Sport was - once again - held in unseasonalbly nice weather and standing on Guernsey's south coast cliffs taking pictures of the Motocross and Trials was a nice experience.
Of course, the alternative was to 'tick-off' one of the 'things to do around the house' that my missus has pinned to the fridge door!
I think you have worked it out why I love photography so much ;-)
The Gallery has now been updated with some new Moto-X pics. Click here if you are interested:
ANOTHER 'FAIR WEATHER' MOTOCROSS RACE

The GMC&CC held the latest round of their Bike Trials Championship over a number of sections at Petit Bot today.
I was able to pop along in the morning to the Junior section which was set-out in a small copse on the south coast cliffs. The sections used all the gradients and water features and really challenged the young competitors. Mud, mud, mud was the order of the day!
The afternoon saw the seniors out to play. Once again the water sections proved to be the most entertaining. I managed to get a bit too close to the action and got both the photo kit and my clothes splashed with the brown goo. I was definitely a lot cleaner than the riders though!
The fruits of my labour are now online... check-out the new Gallery here:
PICTURES OF THE MUDDY TRIALS AT PETIT BOT

Photo Montages continue to be popular - both as a gift or as your own unique and individual record of a seasons racing or perhaps a live performance of your band.
I received a number of requests for Montages over the Christmas period. Off course they couldn't be added to the Gallery at the time as this would have spoilt the suprises!
So I have now uploaded a few more to the Montage Gallery for you to take a look... it might even tempt you into asking for your very own version!
The way this works is that you can select your favourite pictures - either from this web site or I can meet up with you and you can select the pics from my laptop database. The second option is the recommended one as I will probably have many more pics of you than the web site can display.
Once your choice is made I go ahead and make a design. This is then e-mailed to you for comment and approval before the final print is made using Professional quality pigment inks.
Sounds easy doesn't it... why not give it a try?
VIEW THE PHOTO MONTAGE GALLERY

The latest updates featuring Guernsey Motor Sport have been added to my picture galleries.
I popped along to two events on Sunday and captured a bit of the action.
The local petrol heads don't all retire to the garage just because it is a bit chilly!
Both of the Guernsey Clubs were in action over the weekend.
The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club held Round-1 of the 2012 Motocross Championship on Saturday (already added to the Galleries) then it was the Winter Karting Championship on Sunday morning.
The Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club held another round of their Trials Bike Championship which I photographed on the windy coast near Lihou Island.
My Galleries have now been updted and you can take a peek using these links...
GK&MC KARTING CHAMPIONSHIP
GMC&CC TRIALS BIKE CHAMPIONSHIP

Well it might have been a bit chilly... but it was dry! That'll do me.
I can't remember the last really wet Moto-X race on the Guernsey cliffs at Rue de la Trigale, it certainly was a while ago.
So the scene was set for the first round of the 2012 Championship and the action began.
Due to other photographic duties I was only at the track for a couple of hours but things were running smoothly with no serious 'offs' so my pics represent action from all of the Classes raced.
A new Gallery of pictures has been added. Check 'em out here...
MOTO-X CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND-1 2012

It was 'blowing a hooley' down at Chouet beach yesterday! I can't recall seeing so few spectators along the side of the beach. But who can blame them as the wind was blowing straight into their faces!
However, the Autocross action went ahead - although even the number of competitors was lower than recent meetings. Surely a bit of wind wouldn't put off these resilient guys and gals?
This photographer braved the elements though I'm not sure what was better wrapped up - me or my cameras!
In the sort of conditions on the beach yesterday I make every effort to protect my expensive kit from the sand and sea spray. Both of these 'contaminents' can wreck lenses and cameras alike. The problem is that the protective covers make the manual control of cameras a lot harder - it becomes the work of memory, familiarity and touch - a bit like love-making ;-) NO, I don't take the cameras to bed... Well OK, maybe when I get a new bit of kit!!
The results of the morning spent on the beach are now online.
ROUND 7 OF THE AUTOCROSS WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP

There was the usual action on the sand at Chouet for Round 6 of the Guernsey Autocross Winter Championship.
Whilst several of the Class wins were taken by the 'usual' drivers it was also interesting to see the classic Motor Sport quote 'To finish first, first you've got to finish' play a part in some of the races.
Lucy Smale took advantage of the engine failure of Marilyn Robilliard in the ladies races and Nev Browning took a deserved win when Derek Brown suffered a puncture in one of the Veterans races.
Remember, it's never over till it's over.
The GMC&CC Bike Trials Championship also continues. I was on the St Germain sections and have now added some pics to a new Gallery.
Follow these links to view the pictures:
ROUND 6 OF THE AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
GMC&CC BIKE TRIALS CHAMPIONSHIP

I'm beginning to wish that things were not returning to normal ;-)
Having moaned about having very little to do whilst my missus was poorly (apart from cooking, cleaning, shopping, nursing, ironing etc.... I've been out and about with the cameras again.
The weekend has been incredibly busy and lined up something like this...
Friday night I photographed four Bands at Rock of Ages 14.
Saturday was Motocross practice then on to the Guernsey v Elthamians Rugby at Footes Lane. This was followed by the Guernsey v Truro Hockey match. Well done to both local teams for good wins.
Saturday night it was four more Bands at Rock of Ages 14.
No rest for the wicked as on Sunday it was Round 1 of the GK&MC Winter Karting Championship at The Track followed by the Autocross Club's Banger Racing at Chouet beach.
A quick bite to eat and I was off to Vazon to cover the GMC&CC Bike Trials. Total count:
8 x Bands
3 x Motor Sport events
1 x Football
1 x Rugby
1 x Hockey.... Phew!
So I now have a lot of updates to do to the Galleries. First up has been the Karting. Keep a check during the week for all the other updates...
WINTER KART CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 1

It is fair to say that the last month has been a bit different from normal. If you have visited this web site or read my news items on Facebook you will know that my missus has been a bit poorly... if that is what you call having open heart surgery!
But things are now looking much more positive for Carol as she takes 'time out' whilst recuperating - and enjoys being waited upon just a bit too much for my liking. Oh well, I suppose I can spoil her for a few weeks (only).
All this means that my work is now returning to normal and I am supplying orders on time again.
I am also planning the coverage that I will give to the many varied events that are planned for 2012. The new year should be one of my busiest.
May I once again thank everyone who has been kind enough to wish Carol and myself 'all the best' during her illness. The support has been wonderful.
See ya round soon I hope.
Andrew & Carol

I'm sorry but it is unlikely that I will be able to fulfill any more orders for prints, canvases, montages or digital files before Christmas.
My wife has been diagnosed with heart failure and was transported to Southampton by Air Ambulance today. I will be with her for the duration of her stay.
If you should place an order without seeing this information I will, of course, give a full refund to you.
Thanks for your understanding.
It is a shame that all this has happened in these circumstances as the trip over was quite an experience.
The Air Ambulance comes with its own Doctor and Nurse, a private plane with two pilots who really were only there to provide a personal service. No duty free's or a loo though!
The Ambulance trip was at commuter time so the Doctor decided that we would use the 'lights'.
This would definitely be the way to travel in different circumstances. I had a front seat in the ambulance as we 'blues & twos' through Southampton - at one point with a police bike escort and police cars on the main junctions holding up the traffic! Like the Queen!
As it turned out there had been what we think was a bad traffic accident on our route so we were waved though right up to the incident which had totally blocked the road. They clearly thought that we were attending that incident!
A quick U-turn later and we were making a detour.
Having seen how 'the waves part' when you have a siren and blue flashing lights I told the driver that I now know what I want for Christmas!
May I thank all of you who have already sent your 'best wishes' to Carol and me. We remain very positive that now the problem has been identified that a successful treament will be made.
Thanks again
Andrew

The weekend saw another Motocross meeting in dry and bright conditions on the south coast cliffs of Guernsey. Somehow it doesn't seem right - but it certainly is more comfortable standing out on these exposed outcrops when the weather is so glorious.
The extra benefit for photographers is that the good light makes the pics much more vibrant - and I save a lot of time when cataloguing the pics because I can actually see your race numbers!
So the tip is to enjoy things when they are good because it wont last - will it?
A new Gallery featuring the days racing has now been added. Check it out here:
VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS GALLERY

That was a busy weekend of Motor Sport photography. First it was Motocross on Saturday followed by Autocross racing and bike Trials on Sunday.
I have mentioned before on this blog that I am amazed at the amount of Motor Sport that happens in Guernsey. It certainly keeps me busy!
Of all the various classes that are run the slowest has to be bike Trials. Of course the sport isn't about speed (other than completing all the sections in the allocated time).
No, this sport is all about bike control... and it is astonishing what the Expert riders can do on their machines. Many of the sections are impassable on foot... no problem for two wheels though. How do they do it?
The last of the Gallery updates is now on-line. Click on the following link to view the bike Trials.
CHECK-OUT THE LATEST TRIALS GALLERY

The Guernsey Autocross Club 'Banger' racing may represent what is perhaps the cheapest form of Motor Sport - but I assure you that this doesn't dampen the competitiveness and passion that the racers hold for this form of contest.
There is a loyal following of supporters who brave all weathers to enjoy a few hours of 'rough and tumble' on the beach at Chouet... and the latest race meeting produced a real spectacle of close racing, roll-overs and disputed maneuvers. This is great value entertainment - considering it is FREE to watch!
I hope you put a few pence in the bucket when it comes around... its worth it to support the Club.
I have added a new Gallery of pics featuring some of the racing action and roll-overs from todays racing. Check-out the pics here:
THE LATEST AUTOCROSS GALLERY

The Motocross riders must have been very good recently (..as if!)
Well, whatever the reason, we were treated to another glorious day on the cliffs at Pleinmont for the latest round in the Motocross Championship.
The track had benefited from recent rainfall and was a dramatic contrast the the dusty conditions of earlier meetings. The deep patches of mud gradually dried during the day... the scene was set for some close racing.
As a photographer it was a pleasure to take advantage the great light. I have now added my days work to the Galleries. Check-out the pics here:
THE LATEST MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP PICTURES