News / Blog - Motorsport News

The 2021 Autocross Banger Racing season had a delayed start due to Guernsey being locked down with a second wave of Covid-19.

But our Island pulled together and by the end of March we were again free from the virus. So Guernsey was one of the few communities in the world which was able to live a near normal life.

This included all sports... so it was back to the beach for the Autocross Banger racers.

Not only was it a pleasure to be back photographing Motorsport it was nice to be on the beach as the sun came out too!

My weekend's shooting also included the Sprint meeting at Vazon coast road together with championship Kart racing at The Track.

Like I said before. Normal life has returned!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FIRST AUTOCROSS RACING IN 2021

Whatever 'your thing' is it is likely that some of your best memories have been made whilst participating in an event, sport or endeavor.

As you will see if you spend a few moments (could easily run to hours!) scanning my picture galleries I have photographed hundreds and hundreds of different occasions.

I'm grateful that I've been able to sell many of my pics featured in the galleries and many sales are of traditional prints... always a good choice, and the bigger the better if you want to enjoy the detail.

But the modern world seems to favour the Digital version of an image. This does make sense of course as you can load the pic onto your phone and you can carry it with you everywhere.

But I want to try and tempt you if you are considering buying a couple of pics. Maybe you should consider selecting a few favorites and let me design a Framed Montage for you.

The end result - after you OK my design - is an impressive image that will hang on the wall to remind you of that 'special moment'. You will see extra detail in your Montage and everyone else can see it too.

If I've tempted you there is an easy process to ordering your very own custom designed Montage.

When you see a pic that you would like in your montage just select it using the option in the Buy Now button below each pic. Make sure that you choose your preferred 'Main' picture first then simply use the 'add to Montage' button to build the Montage.

The most successful and popular designs usually include five or nine pics but I'll try any design you favour. After I make a design you will be emailed a proof for you to OK.

So next time you are thinking about buying a couple of pics remember to consider ordering a Montage. The end result could be much more memorable!

If you need a little inspiration follow this link to see some of my previous Montage designs:
CLICK TO VIEW SOME PREVIOUS MONTAGE DESIGNS

As we keep our fingers crossed that in (maybe) two weeks time life can return to a ‘New Normal’ in Guernsey I can reveal what some of you have been doing during Lockdown v2 together with a special offer on my pictures.

Firstly I’d like to thank those of you who have been visiting my website as it has logged millions of new picture views since January! The running total now exceeds 31 MILLION!

The way I analyze this is to reckon that surfing the web has helped fill a few of your empty hours... it has certainly worked for me! We all know that the novelty of being free of the 9 to 5 job soon wears off!

I also think that some of the visitors have wanted to reminisce about the good times... when life went along unrestricted. A stroll through my picture galleries reveals so many of your enjoyable moments playing Sports and attending Gigs and social events that maybe the pics have helped ease some of your Lockdown frustrations?

So as a thank you for the massive interest in my work I’ve decided to (prematurely) celebrate the better times ahead by offering new discounts on the sales of multiple items from my galleries... Anything from 10% to 25% OFF!

The offer is for Framed Prints, Bevel Mounted Prints, Standard Prints and Digital Files. If you place any order online the discount is automatically deducted as you complete the sale in the Shopping Cart.

So THANKS AGAIN for the continued interest in my work. I'll see you again as soon as we are released!

Last year, after celebrating 50 years since the very start of Autocross Banger racing in Guernsey with a special race meeting in St Sampsons harbour, the Guernsey Autocross Club reached another 50th milestone on the first of November 2020 when it organized a race meeting at Chouet Beach.

These sands have now been the home of Autocross ever since the Club moved here 50 YEARS ago.

I think full credit and respect should be given to this small Club and its dedicated team of organizers and racers... some of whom have been on this journey for most of its existence.

Inevitably over such a long period of time there have been challenges to overcome. However the passion for this cheap form of Motorsport, which I have to say often produces the best entertainment and spectacle, has meant we can count the Guernsey Autocross Club as one of Guernsey's most enduring.

Sadly we expect that it is unlikely that the Club will clock another 50 years as the fast changes being made to modern cars make them unsuitable and ironically far less reliable when faced with the very wet and sandy beach track.

But let's all keep enjoying this Sport whilst we can. Well done Guernsey Autocross Club and thanks for the enjoyment you bring.

I've added a new Gallery featuring the 50th anniversary racing:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 50th YEAR OF AUTOCROSS AT CHOUET

When I think about it I realize that I'm probably more likely to be on the beach at any time other than the height of summertime.

One of the reasons is that I don't enjoy lying in the sun doing nothing. I always want to be 'doing things'. Another is that my lily white legs would turn blistering red in a moment of exposure!!

So having described the negatives I'll explain the positive reasons you will find me on the beach.

My wife and I are much more comfortable walking on Guernsey's golden sands when the temperatures are cooler. In those conditions it is wonderful to enjoy the peaceful splashing of the waves and the fresh sea breeze.

But I'm also up for a bit of noise, petrol fumes and motorsport action on the sand. But this year Covid-19 has spoilt the Sandracing season on Vazon beach but the Guernsey Autocross Club have been able to run their racing.

This is why I found myself down on Chouet beach on Sunday to photograph Round-3 of the 2020 Winter Championship.

Take a look at my pics of the racing here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF ROUND-3 OF THE WINTER AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

It was great to be back photographing the racing up at the Motocross track at the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club 2-Day event.

The pleasant weather helped keep everyone smiling and the fact that we could do this without any Covid-19 restrictions was fantastic. The icing on the cake was that there was some great racing.

I spent two days around the track taking pics and I've added two extensive Galleries. I hope you like them.

To put these pics online I committed to two full days taking the pics plus a full day of editing. I put a lot of time into this.

Photography is how I make my living and it would be great if you can remember this. Maybe you can buy a pic or two rather than just copying them off the screen! You will help me with my beer money.

If you buy a Digital pic the file I supply is higher resolution than you see in the galleries and they don't have the horrible watermark. You also get to feel good for doing the right thing. Thanks

There are also many options to buy a print or canvas. Whilst some may think that a print is out of fashion I really believe you can't beat a nice big print for impact... but maybe I'm biased. :-)

Follow this link to view all the 2-Day Moto-X pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 2-DAY MOTO-X MEETINGS

It's very hard to find any words to say after hearing the tragic news that Zef Eisenberg has lost his life in a high speed crash whilst chasing another speed record to add to his long list.

Speaking from Guernsey, the Island that he made his home, and as someone who has worked for him photographing some of his portfolio of properties, racing action and several Motor Sport promotion shots I know what an impact he had on the things that he had a passion for.

Zef never did things by half. He also never did anything other than at 'full speed'! He was a genuine 'Speed Freak'.

He will be remembered for his remarkable life where he was always looking forward. He had the ability to make an impact on anything he involved himself in.... from starting Maximuscle to breaking speed records to supporting the Guernsey Motor Sport scene and his charity work on the Saumarez Park children's playground. These things are his legacy.

Few of us will ever lead such a full life as Zef and the only consolation is that he didn't waste a minute of his 47 years.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

I've added a couple of my pics of Zef to a gallery including this Montage that Zef commissioned.

They reflect my memories of him.
CLICK TO VIEW A COUPLE OF PICS OF ZEF EISENBERG

What a strange year we are 'enjoying'.

Everything 'normal' seems changed and messed up. However, as we know, Guernsey residents have been lucky to avoid the biggest of restrictions and changes.

It was the freedom to pursue some of the calendar bookings that allowed the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club to fit in an end of season Hill Climb at the Val des Terres.

The chilly wind didn't stop competitors having fun but it did reduce the crowd of spectators.

I wrapped up and took a few pics of the action.

If things are ‘normal’ at the last tarmac event of the year this weekend at Petit Bot Hillclimb I’ll have to pack my thermals and waterproofs again! It can be a bit bleak if the wind blows up the valley and the trees keep out any trace of warming sunshine!

Follow this link to view my Galleries:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE LAST 'TERRES HILL CLIMB OF 2020

It's September and I've just added the first Gallery featuring the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club's 2020 Kart Championship!

This fact just goes to prove what a disrupted year 2020 has been. Many things have conspired together to mess with the old 'normal' making us change our routines. No-one could have imagined how this year has turned out!

However Guernsey has fought back against the Covid 19 challenges and we must remember that we are in such a lucky position regarding our return to the freedom to meet and participate in our passions, activities, work and daily life.

We have made big steps towards a 'new normal' which for us lucky Islanders is not so different to the old one.

I visited The Track yesterday to photograph Round-8 of the GK&MC Karting Championship and I captured some really close and competitive action. The pics can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND-8 OF THE KART CHAMPIONSHIP

Following the first GK&MC Guernsey Hill Climb in 2020 at the start of the month I was a little apprehensive towards the size of entry that the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club would get for their own first hill.

I needn't of been concerned though.

This second outing was blessed with great weather and the spread of cars, bikes and karts was as varied as I can remember in recent years!

Inevitably the crowd was rewarded with some fantastic performances although new records proved elusive. I think it may have just been Jez Mann on his ever 'tweaked' scooter who made a new mark in the record book.

At the start of the day I was poorly motivated to get out of the sack after my traditional visit to the Vale Earth Fair for twelve hours of beer and live music! Pics of the VEF will follow soon.

But I managed to summon the willpower and got to the Terres by early afternoon. I was pleased I did as the fresh air was a good tonic and the motorsport action was a great distraction from the fuzzy head!

This gallery showcases my pics....
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST HILL CLIMB PICS

There has been almost no Motorsport action so far in 2020 so it was great to have a Sand Racing meeting to photograph on Saturday.

However the entry was very small so there is some way to go before normality arrives again.

There seems to be a lack of interest among Club members to 'get back in the saddle' across all forms of Motorsport after the disrupted year we have experienced. It is going to be a challenge to re-generate the interest among the racers. Saturday was a good example.

I hope that I'm wrong and my pessimism about the future of Sand Racing in Guernsey doesn't come about. There are decades of local history in this sport that should be preserved. If it ceases it is unlikely that it would return.

My pics of Saturday's racing are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SAND RACING GALLERY

Once again the Motorsport Seafront Sunday attracted huge crowds to enjoy the static displays, Supercar rides and the Motorsport Club's Twisty Sprint.

This years event was treated to perfect weather and that was all that was needed to bring islanders out in record numbers.

This Gallery displays some of the atmosphere and action...
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 SEAFRONT SUNDAY

The weather forecast isn't always to be trusted when planning your day.

After the event it's always easy to be wise about things. At the time of decision we all have to make a judgement based on known 'facts' combined with instinct and gut feeling.

This was the position competitors faced early on Sunday morning as they had to decide if it was worth making the effort to get the kit down to Vale Castle for the GMC&CC Sprint. If they checked the various weather forecasts the predictions varied wildly and a quick look out of the window would have revealed rain clouds looming.

It turned out that the bikers played it safe... and who can blame them as a wet Vale Castle road is a treacherous place. A few of the car drivers also made the early choice to stay safe and keep their vehicles in one piece for another day. These were wise choices... If of only the forecasts had been accurate!

But technology got it wrong this time and by the start of racing the clouds had blown over and the road had dried. I imagine the absent bikers and several car drivers regretted their decision as the Vale Castle Sprint road dried to perfect condition after only a couple of timed runs.

So the result was that those who had turned up had lots of fun and loads of runs and I needn't of packed and carried all my wet weather kit (including an umbrella) around all day!

My pics are online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2020 VALE CASTLE SPRINT MEETING

I've just completed the upload of my latest picture Gallery.

The 2020 Hillclimb Gallery is the smallest that I've produced during the eleven years that I've been covering these events professionally.

None of us need reminding why that is the case as the Covid 19 lockdown in 2020 has lodged strong, personal memories in all our minds.

The Motorsport UK 2020 Hillclimb season started in Guernsey on 01-08-2020 when the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club organized the first Hillclimb in 2020 that was run without any Covid 19 restrictions in place.

We all have to say well done to the officials and helpers who organizing the meeting.

Guernsey leads where others can only hope (and wait) to follow!

The hillclimb ran very smoothly allowing every competitor to have a practice run and seven timed runs!!

What did that mean for this photographer... well LOADS of pics!!

As this was a special Hilclimb I've uploaded more pics than usual. I hope you enjoy them.

If you like my work please support me by buying a pic or two. Like so many of us my income has been hit by the lockdown and I promise to invest it well in a couple of beers!

Follow this link to view the extensive Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE FIRST FULL HILLCLIMB IN 2020

I fear that I'll probably never quite catch up with the backlog of editing from last year.... but I'll keep trying.

Last year wasn't quite a 'normal' one. There were quite a few distractions taking large chunks out of my work time. By far the most demanding was overseeing the modernization of our new home. This is now nearing completion but I think I was a bit naive regarding how much chasing and management would be required in getting the 'trades' to complete their work.

However we have now settled into the new place and the move has worked out brilliantly. We have renewed everything from ceilings, heating, electrics and networking to 65" TV's, flooring, driveway.... well just about everything! Oh, and I mustn't forget the great new kitchen too!

Whilst all that was underway I found myself emergency medivaced to the UK after Doctors found blood clots on my brain and I had a mild stroke. Thankfully the outcome has been much better than first feared and I've nearly made a full recovery.

So that's the excuses for the missed edits!

But I continue with the catch-up. This link takes you to a missed Autocross Banger event from last March. More will follow:
CLICK TO VIEW THE AUTOCROSS CATCH-UP

Last week was book-ended by two major sporting events... leading to two major edits. Oh what fun!!

The first event (weekend) was the February Fury boxing at Beau Sejour. With TWENTY bouts the number of pics taken topped 500! I'm glad to say that the final edit is complete and all the Galleries are now online.

The second of the weekends featured the Resolution-IT Guernsey Rally. As you will see from the previous Blog that event edit was turned around in super-fast time and pics can now be viewed.
CLICK TO VIEW THE FEBRUARY FURY GALLERIES
CLICK TO VIEW THE RESOLUTION-IT GUERNSEY RALLY GALLERIES

Well it just shows that if you put your back into a job you can finish it in record time!

I decided that the Resolution-IT Guernsey Rally pics had to be edited as soon as possible to clear the deck for a busy week ahead.

So I'm pleased to say that the jobs a good 'un. Over 300 pics of the action together with a 'Rally Scene' Gallery for good measure.

Click the link below to view all the pics.

It was enjoyable looking through my pics of the Rally. I've mentioned before that sometimes it's like seeing the action for the first time as the actual shoot can be intense and non-stop.

In this case it was amusing to recall the 'Star of the Rally' or at least the one that entertained the spectators the most. Sorry Dale, it wasn't you this time!

No, the star was definitely the death defying chicken who seemed oblivious to the speed of a rally car at full chat. If it's true that a cat has nine lives this chicken tops that with at least thirty!!

I also noted that the App on my phone that records my steps put my mileage over the day and evening at nearly seven miles. This was traveled with a very weighty backpack and three cameras slung around my neck. It's not surprising I feel fatigued today.
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 RESOLUTION-IT RALLY

It was nearly third time lucky for the local crew of Dale Crowsley and co-driver John Vaudin in the 2020 Resolution-IT Guernsey Rally.

They were straight on the pace at the start of this years one-day Rally and topped the leader board before being hunted down by the vastly experienced Jersey crews of Ros la Noa with co-driver Domonic Volante and Jeremy Baudains with co-driver James Ollivro.

The visiting duo were both racing more powerful Ford Escort MK2's and ultimately they showed a bit more speed. Maybe next time Dale?

Whilst I proceed to edit nearly 500 pics that I took during the twelve hours of coverage I made at the 2020 Resolution-IT Rally follow this link to view the submission I had to make over-night to the Guernsey Press for Monday's paper.

Full coverage will be added to this website over the next couple of days...
CLICK TO VIEW THE FIRST PRESS EDIT OF THE 2020 RESOLUTION-IT RALLY

It's not unknown for Motorsport events to be cancelled due to the weather conditions.

Sometimes the race track is simply too wet. Sometimes the lack of clear visibility makes it unsafe as Marshals cannot see clearly.

But one motorsport discipline seems almost immune to the elements. In fact the Trials riders even competed a fortnight ago when the conditions were so bad that the Autocross racing was cancelled!

So it was always a near certainty that the Trials riders would be out on Sunday afternoon... even though heavy drizzle and high winds made things quite uncomfortable.

I also 'bit the bullet' to capture a few pics. They are online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST TRIALS PICS

'Twas a bleak and wet and windy morn....

....as I break into a poetic moment I'm attempting to dry out after spending a couple of hours down on an exposed Chouet beach. All the wet weather clothing was out to play for the final Round of the Guernsey Autocross Club Winter Championship.

This meeting had been postponed the last time is was due to be raced. That Sunday morning the weather was even worse!

In the end it was acceptably comfortable to run the meeting this time and there was an element of fulfillment felt after 'braving' the onslaught to get a few shots in the can.

Some of the pics rewarded the effort with added drama. You can view my work here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE FINAL ROUND OF THE AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP