News / Blog - Motorsport News

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

With Christmas just around the corner I guess you are all getting stressed - as I am - thinking about what to buy for friends and family!
I have added another Canvas Montage to the Galleries to give you an idea for a unique gift.
Why not consider having a Canvas Montage designed to give as a gift. Each Canvas is unique and can display your favourite pictures. These large Canvases are delivered 'ready to 'hang' and make a great focal point.
Please contact me by phone - 07781 144525 - or e-mail CLICK HERE TO E-MAIL and we can chat about what you would like designed.
VIEW THE SAMPLE CANVASES AND MONTAGES

I must admit that I sometimes wonder whether I'm a 'proper' photographer at all?
Saturday in Guernsey was simply glorious for the time of year. It was mild and bright and the autumn colours glowed. In fact a 'picture' awaited you around each corner.
However, with two cameras in hand and a collection of lenses 'to die for' I chose to put my time and talents towards photographing the Motocross Championship at Pleinmont - seemingly oblivious to everything around me!
In the evening did I spend time trying to capture the last dying rays of the autumn sun?
No, I was taking pics of crazy Bands in crazy outfits at the Halloween night at the Fermain Tavern!
What do we learn from this? Well I think it just goes to show what a diverse pastime photography can be.
Perhaps the only single 'linking' factor for the multitude of subjects that photographers capture is that we all aim to record a single moment in time... one that 'connects' to us as individuals.
I love my photography for this and would encourage you to dig the camera out and start taking pictures for your own pleasure. It doesn't matter what the subject is.
If others like what you 'see', then that's a bonus.
So having made this lenghty narrative I'd better show you my days work...
VIEW THE FIRST MOTOCROSS PICTURES

By a strange coincidence this new Web Site has passed two 'milestones' within a few hours of each other.

It is now ONE YEAR since I started developing a new place to display - and sell ;-) my pictures and this web site has generated quite a bit of interest since then. The new venture has been very enjoyable but has taken a huge amount of time!

The reward for me has been watching the 'web stats' climbing.
The coincidence that I mentioned above was that just as the first year passed the site hit ONE MILLION picture viewings!

WOW, I'm amazed and thank all of you who make a regular 'trip' over here.

However, I don't consider the 'job done' yet as my old web site was recording a MUCH LARGER 'hit rate'... but that had been established for several years. But I have that old target to aim for.
So what is in store for the next twelve months? I guess the answer is more of the same as it must be clear to regular visitors where my interests are.

With the anniversary I thought I would take a look at the details regarding picture views in case there was a clue to help me direct my time (and talent?!).

So, where is the interest? Is it with my well timed Motor Sport action shots? Or is it the beautifully captured Gig photography making use of superb stage lighting?

No - the most viewed picture during the last twelve months is the one displayed above... why do I bother, eh?

Well I'm certainly not one to lead by example when it comes to planning the Christmas presents... that's what the missus is for, isn't that right?
I'm 'dead meat' if she reads this, no turkey for me!
But the fact is that the festive season will soon be here. So I have added a great new design option to the Montages... and it makes a perfect gift.
The new choice is for the stunning 'POSTER MONTAGES'. These are more stylized than the standard Photo Montages and make a great 'Work of Art' for your walls. They can feature a selection of your favourite pictures and can feature Motor Sport or Band and Gig pictures.
I produce a design using selected pictures and e-mail a sample proof for your comment and confirmation.
These Poster Montages look great in the larger formats and are particulaly impressive as 'Ready to Hang' Canvases.
Prices and options can be viewed by clicking here: PRICES & OPTIONS
A Gallery of Montages can be viewed here: CHECK-OUT THE MONTAGE GALLERIES
If you would like to consider ordering a POSTER MONTAGE please don't leave it too late. Give me a call (07781 144525) or e-mail me E-MAIL ANDREW LE POIDEVIN and we can chat about your requirements.

Considering the relatively small amount of entries (less than 50) more records were falling than the autumn leaves at the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Hill Climb at Petit Bot.
This is the last Hill Climb of the season and seems to attract the very best racers in each Class - excluding the open wheel single seater racing cars which the MSA have seen fit to ban on this very narrow hill. I know this is a big disapointment to some of those racers.
I think I counted a total of twelve new or lowered records for this hill. These included the outright Car record by Paul Le Messurier and the Bike record by Oliver Holmes. Two very impressive and committed runs.
The mood on the hill was dampened when Pete Le Page had a very big accident on the first and very fast straight. Witnesses were shocked by what they saw and recalled how high Pete and his bike launched after hitting a bank and then landing heavily on the road. Thankfully, and amazingly, Pete was discharged from hospital after undergoing scans with minors injuries - a relief to us all.
Of course he was chatting about it on Facebook later... back to normal then!
I have added a new Gallery of pictures:
PETIT BOT HILL CLIMB 2011

Chouet beach was not a particulaly comfortable place to be when the Guernsey Autocross Club held Round 1 of the new Winter Championship.
There were strong winds blowing straight off the sea and you only needed to gaze along the spectator areas to note that there was a very small crowd when judged by normal standards... perhaps the thermals were still packed away in the bottom draw!
If more people had turned out they would have been entertained by some good close racing including the reigning Champion, Ozzy Ozanne, being beaten in the Race of Firsts by Callum Queripel.
The scene is set for another great spectacle on the beach at Chouet over the coming months. Make sure you find the time (and the thermals) to make a trip to one of the races.
A new Gallery of pictures has been added:
ROUND 1 OF THE WINTER AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

It wasn't only the Motocross boys (and gals) who were enjoying the sunshine over the weekend.
The south coast cliffs of Guernsey also hosted a round of the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club Trials bike Championship. It was scorching hot on the cliffs at Corbiere, particulaly in the sheltered valleys but the good sized entry was having too much fun to notice!
I am always amazed how well the riders traverse the steep and slippery cliff side. I was finding it challenging to move between different sections but the competitors made easy progress. Maybe a Trials bike is the one bit of 'kit' that I am missing?
It was most enjoyable spending a few hours taking pictures in the late summer sun... and I have the nerve to call it work :o)
A new picture Gallery is now on-line:
GMC&CC BIKE TRIALS AT CORBIERE

Well I guess the the headline is a bit misleading really. The weekend was all about winners.
Certainly the winning ingredients of a very successful weekend of Motor Sport were the weather (who sorted that out?!), the new layout of the track and the general friendly spirit that imbued the whole competition.
As a Guernseyman, though, I can't help being a bit dissapointed by the way our Jersey neighbours walked away with most of the top places.
I could be rude and bitter but the fact is we must try harder. Maybe the new track will encourage the development of more new, young local talent?
The Guernsey Motor Sport scene is strong and is able to lead many of the varied formulas that are raced in the Channel Islands so I look forward to the Motocross section strenghening its show.
The GK&MC have a enthusiastic Committee overseeing the Motocross section. Watch this space.
I have added new pictures from Day-2... check 'em out here:
DAY 2 OF THE MOTOCROSS WEEKEND

It took a long soak to even begin to remove the layers of dust that I took home from the re-designed Motocross track at Pleinmont, Guernsey today!
It was incredible weather and the extra warm and dry conditions meant that it was impossible to keep away from the massive dust clouds that engulfed the track.
Of course, my chosen place is as close to the action as possible and I was completely 'filled in' a couple of times... but it was worth it, I hope.
The re-design has meant that all my old 'favourite' positions have disappeared so a lot of the day was spent scouting out the new opportunities. Time will tell just how good the new vantage points will be. My first impression is that photographing great action pics has become a bit more difficult.
I guess that means I will have to try a bit harder!
Make your own mind up by viewing the latest Gallery:
FIRST 2-DAY MOTO-X GALLERIES

I have now added a new Gallery of pictures featuring the final Sprint meeting held by the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club at Vazon coast road.
This Gallery can now be viewed by clicking on this link:
SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP 10-09-2011

As I mentioned yesterday in the News item, I have spent a few days in Alderney photographing the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Sprint meeting at Fort Corblets and two days of Hill Climbing at Fort Tourgis.
Oh yes, I also enjoyed the legendary Alderney hospitality including two nights of Culture & Karaoke in the Campania Pub, what a laugh!
Memorable as all this was, the one thing that will stick in my mind for some time will be when Chris Pommier's Westfield launched itself in my direction after coming unstuck on the Sprint at Fort Corblets.
I didn't know I could still move that fast - but I'm relieved that I can.
I hope you note that every pic is pin sharp... right up to when I turned and ran. What a Pro, eh!
A few pics taken before the car landed right where I was standing can be seen in the new Gallery.
ALDERNEY SPRINT PICTURES
LINK TO FIRST PIC OF CRASH SEQUENCE