News / Blog - Motorsport News

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club extended the annual visit to Alderney to three days this year.
So it all kicked off on Thursday with the Sprint event at Fort Corblets in great, sunny conditions.
This particular Sprint will remain in my memory (or nightmares) for some time I think as the the moment I learnt when it was best to stop taking pics and run!
Chris Pommier had the back-end of his Westfield step-out on the first bend and he then became a passenger as the car started a massive slide down the track. I was in the perfect position to take pics but the car headed straight towards me! I continued to grab a couple more shots before the car was launched into the air... I turned and sprinted... the car landed exactly where I had been standing.
That was a close one!
The pics of Chris's off will follow tomorrow. The first Galleries feature the Two-Day Hill Climb at Fort Tourgis. Check them out here:
ALDERNEY HILL CLIMB PICTURES

The Galleries have been completed for the 29th August Hill Climb at Le Val des Terres. The latest pics include Bikes & Karts.
As always, the uploaded pictures only represent a selection of all the pics I take. Due to the time and space required by the Gallery updates I will usually have many more pictures stored in my huge database. Just contact me by phone or e-mail Email Andrew Le Poidevin if you would like to view all your racing pics... with no obligation to buy!
August 29th Hill Climb

I've had several phone calls and e-mails during the last ten days from people chasing me for more Gallery updates. I really appreciate these contacts as it proves that people enjoy browsing though the various picture galleries.
The updates have been slow due to a heavy commitment to Commercial clients at the moment. These are the jobs that allow me to pursue the Motor Sport and Gig photography that I enjoy so much. So they have priority.
But, I have still been taking pics during this time and will soon have a few new (and large) Galleries added to this site.
The first of the new updates are for the 29th August Hill Climb up Les Val des Terres. The other updates that will follow will cover the Bikes and Karts at the Hill Climb.
After finishing the Hill Climb pics the next updates will be of the sell-out Jersey Live.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST HILL CLIMB PICS

Today the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club held Round-7 of their Summer Sand Racing Championship on Vazon beach.
For the second meeting in a row there was a dramatic accident! This time it was the Bikes. As happened last meeting - I missed the action, argh! It all took place immediately behind me.
Dave Patten had just passed on his slider when he tangled with a fellow rider and he found himself launched high into the air - followed by his bike.
Dave was able to walk to the ambulance and was transfered to the PEH for check-ups. We all hope he was just bruised with nothing broken.
New picture Galleries have now been added...
SAND RACING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-7

I was only able to make a late visit to The Track to photograph Round 8 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Summer Karting Championship... but there was plenty of close racing and also a pretty spectacular crash by William Konken.
Will rolled his Kart after a coming together with Ben Parsons. He was thrown out of his Kart. Thanfully the early reports on his condition suggest he wasn't seriously injured but you can't bounce down a race track without collecting a few bruises!
With this accident following Nigel Ozannes 'big one' on the sand at Vazon a week ago we are all reminded that Motor Sport can be dangerous, but the guys 'n gals who compete in the various Classes know this and are unstoppable.
I have added a new Gallery of pics including a few of Wills crash.
KART CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND-8

All the talk for the last few days on the Guernsey Motor Sport scene has been about Nigel Ozanne's big accident on the sands at Vazon Bay.
Nigel was racing his very competitive 'Grass Tracker' when it appears a contact was made with another car. Nigel ended up dramatically rolling perhaps as many as five times!
Thankfully, after a lengthy rescue from the car and a stay in hospital it appears that no major injuries occured.
As always after an incident such as this - and when it is known that the driver is OK - the question is: 'Did you get a picture of the crash?'
The answer in this case is a disappointed 'NO'. I had just left the beach to change to a different lens set-up. Shame on me as the race before I was in exactly the right spot... sorry Nige!
I did get a couple of good 'sideways' shots of Nigel in the first race during which he nearly ran me over! He apologised afterwards saying that he saw me taking pics and wanted a good one - but it got hung out a bit too far, he, he!
To take a look at the latest pics click here:
ROUND-6 SAND RACING PICS

The latest Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Hill Climb at Les Val des Terres turned out to be a bit special with several Classes being closely fought and records falling.
I was 'out and about' on the hill as usual and came home with a load of new pics to edit. Several days later you can view the results!
I have worked a few new angles in an attempt to keep the galleries interesting. Let me know what you think.
Remember that I always have more pics then the ones that are uploaded.
Due to space limitations the only way you can see all the pics is to contact me and I will arrange a viewing on my Laptop Database... with NO obligations to buy.
The final updates include the Bikers and Karters.
HILL CLIMB KARTS & BIKES

The first Class of competitors have been added to the Hill Climb Galleries... over 250 Car pictures!
Once again I have tried to give a good and varied coverage to the racing. This takes a considerable amount of time - so don't forget if you buy a couple of pics you are doing a good job of supporting my 'Beer Fund'. It will also encourage me to continue ;-)
Once again the records dropped with the most impressive being Darren Warwick becoming the fastest ever Channel Islander up 'the Terres'. Well done that man.
Bike & Kart pictures will follow.
GK&MC HILL CLIMB 06-08-2011

Yesterday I was able to spend a short time at The Track photographing the latest round of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's Summer Series of Kart Racing.
The heats were as competitive as ever with close and exciting racing. If you have never witnessed this form of Motor Sport I recommend that you find time to pop down to The Track at Victoria Avenue on a race morning.
The action is virtually continuous and there are good, safe viewing points. Championship details can be found here:
VISIT THE GUERNSEY KART & MOTOR CLUB WEB SITE
The latest Gallery of my Kart Racing pictures can be viewed here:
ROUND 7 KARTING SERIES
My time was split between photographing the Kart Racing and capturing Round 6 of the Guernsey Powerboat Association's Championship over the Fermain Course. A new Gallery of pics can be viewed here:
ROUND 6 OF THE GPA POWERBOAT RACING

Today saw the latest Round of the Guernsey Powerboat Association 2011 Championship over the Jethou Course.
The conditions seemed to be enjoyed by all the competitors that I spoke to after the race.
However one driver may be wishing he'd staying in bed this morning. Carl Wallbridge's Cat named 'Cody Cat' took a heavy hit near the stern cracking and holeing the hull. It quickly took on water and the motors were flooded.
The boat was saved though and towed into St Peter Port for some hasty salvage work on the twin engines. This was tough luck for Carl but lets hope is back racing again soon.
I have added pictures of the racing here:
ROUND-5 OF THE GUERNSEY POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP
UPDATE: A few pics of Round 6 have been added to a new Gallery.
Incredibly 'Cody Cat' made it back into the water and to the start-line after being repaired.
ROUND-6 OF THE GUERNSEY POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP

It has to be grudgingly agreed that this year it was Jersey that produced the best weather for their rounds of the MSA National Hill Climb at Bouley Bay.
You must understand, I'm not complaining, it is a lot more pleasant spending a day following the racing when the sun shines!
The enjoyment was completed by the fact that the Guernsey contingent did so well. A good day of Motor Sport then.
The visiting 'National' competitors impressed with some new kit. Wallace Menzies DJ Firestorm with its dramatic traction control system echoing up the valley and Mike Manning's four wheel drive Ford Puma were perhaps the most memorable.
A new gallery of pictures has now been added...
JERSEY MSA NATIONAL HILL CLIMB

I don't think that I have missed updating this web site for such a long period. I note it has been ten days!
But, that doesn't mean I haven't been busy taking pics.
My Commercial work has been hectic with several large projects 'on the go'.
Also there have been a couple of big events that I enjoy covering... it is one of these that is featured in todays update. The latest picture Gallery features the MSA National Hill Climb at Le Val des Terres in Guernsey.
This was a very wet event which brought with it all the inconvenience and discomfort of steamed-up spectacles and lenses and the use of protective covers for my equipment.
Of course this is just the same for all the racers and helpers. Somehow a 'spirit of togetherness' comes out and with the right attitude we all end up enjoying the experience. We are an odd lot!
So the first pics can be viewed using the link below.
Other Galleries will be added to feature the Jersey Rounds of the MSA National Hill Climb at Bouley Bay.
Another very wet event was the Greenman Chaos Bike & Music Festival and I have many pics to add to the Galleries. Keep a check on the news page for updates...
GUERNSEY MSA NATIONAL HILL CLIMB 2011

What a scorcher! And what a contrast to Round 4 when the heavens opened, big time.
So, Round 5 lived up to its billing as part of the Kart Summer Championship.
I have uploaded a new Gallery of pitures of the meeting.
ROUND 5 OF THE SUMMER KART CHAMPIONSHIP

That just about sums up the weekends Kart racing at The Track. The conditions were not pleasant - for anyone.
The competitors were fully wrapped in plastic, the race officials found one of the only dry spots to watch the racing and this photographer only made opportune and brief excursions to the side of the track to take pics!
For me it is worth the extra effort of trying to keep lenses and kit dry. It is a challenge to even see if I have captured the action in focus when the viewing screen is awash! The 'pay-off' for me is that I am able to record an image which is different from the norm.
A Gallery of pictures has now been uploaded. I hope you enjoy them... I suffered for these, ha,ha.
PICS OF A VERY WET KART MEETING

Having just returned from photographing a VERY wet Kart meeting at The Track I have just uploaded the latest pictures of the Sprint meeting held at Vazon yesterday.
I chatted with various competitors during the Sprint meeting and a few of the Bike riders were disappointed with the cross wind at the end of their runs... it could have been so much worse. Look at today!
If there is a 'pecking order' of who moans about the weather (and light)... then, after the Farmers it is a close call between Photographers and Racers (Yes I'm as guilty as everyone)!
In the end we all have to make the best of what we are given and sometimes the conditions help a photographer capture something different. Keep a check on the News page for the latest 'Wet Kart Meeting' pics... I suffered to get these!
GK&MC SPRINT AT VAZON

I have added a couple more Photo-Montages to the Galleries featuring recent gigs that I have photographed. These Montages are a great way to remember a special event or gig that you have been involved with. Each Montage is individually designed and will include your chosen pictures.
If you would like to consider having a Montage designed for you just drop me an e-mail CONTACT ANDREW LE POIDEVIN or call me on 07781 144525.
Montages are printed on large A2 size paper and look fantastic when framed. Take a look at the Gallery to see some previous designs...
VIEW A SELECTION OF MONTAGES

Mitch Godden might not race on the sand very often... indeed I think the annual visit to Guernsey for the 'Condor Ferries Sand Ace' meeting is the only time he sees the beach each year.
It certainly doesn't show! From the first lap on the sand Mitch looks at home and unbeatable... again.
So it was a case of who would take the runner-up positions. Well done to local racer, Anthony Queripel for placing second in the A Final followed by Dan Winterton (he nearly qualifies as a Guernseyman now!).
The days entertainment was completed when Dan and Gareth Winterburn went for a 'skinny-dip' at the end of the racing. Remember, it was low tide. That makes for a long walk back after cooling off!
If you want to take a look at the racing action - and the skinny-dip (you have been warned) click on this link.
CONDOR FERRIES SAND ACE MEETING 2011
.... AND SOMETHING FOR THE LADIES!

On a day that conditions were certainly less than perfect for part of the event there were some very impresive times posted. Ten new records in total!
My driver of the day was Tim Torode who managed to join the elite sub-30 second club in a car that really shouldn't be able to match the 'big guns'. I witnessed the run from the top of the hill and captured a shot of just how close and hard you have to push to achieve this sort of result.
TAKE A LOOK AT A CLOSE CROP OF TIMS RACING LINE
I have now added a large Gallery of pics featuring the days racing. As always, if you like what you see, you can purchase pics by clicking the BUY NOW button below each picture.
VIEW THE NEW HILL CLIMB GALLERY

It was pretty choppy out there in the Little Russell this afternoon for Round-3 of the Guernsey Powerboat Association's 2011 Championship.
These conditions are a real challenge for competitor and photographer alike!
When taking pics when the sea is so bumpy you know that the boats will be flying - literally - between troughs. The challenge is to capture the moment and get it in sharp focus whilst using a 600mm lens from a wildly rocking platform.
I love a challenge!
A big thank you to Addie Marsh for allowing me to use his boat for the pics.
VIEW PICS OF POWERBOAT RACING ROUND-3

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What a nice contrast to the first Sand Race meeting. Having got wet through at the first race meeting in 2011 it was much more pleasant to spend the afternoon on a sunny Vazon beach!
The 'cherry on the cake' was to see such a good entry in the Bikes Class, this shows promise for a good seasons racing.
So I was kept busy taking pics... they are now on-line. Check-out the Gallery by clicking this link.
ROUND-2 OF THE SAND RACING