This Is Guernsey

COLIN LE MAITRE has clocked up in excess of 7,000 miles and about 100 hours’ driving time just to get to venues on the French National Hill-Climb Champion-ship circuit this season. And despite reaching speeds of 145mph during a top-10 finish at Hebecrevon against some of the world’s top hill-climbers, he has already acquired a new car for his assault on next year’s championship, which starts at Easter.

The 50-year-old Guernseyman and Autocare owner has impressed in his second year competing.

‘I have made quite a big impact on the French scene.

‘It’s just what I love - driving a fast car. I’m driving virtually flat out for virtually one to three minutes on every hill. It’s very tough and I’m working on my fitness,’ said Le Maitre.

He has raced at nine events across France, with some up to 6km long - at Abreschviller, Hebecrevon, La Pommeraye, Le Mont-Dore, La Broque, Turckheim Trois-Epis, Vuillafans Echevannes, Beaujolais-Village and Limonest Mont-Verdun.

‘I have done really well and my driving has improved a lot - it’s nice to go on a new hill and get on the pace straight away. It’s been a big learning curve for me this year with all the new hill climbs and I’m looking forward to next year,’ said Le Maitre.

‘I have only kissed into an Armco barrier and damaged a wheel which is pretty good for a big season like that.’

In the French round of the European hill climb at Le Mont-Dore, he finished 18th out of 188 competitors, with a spin on the last run putting him down the pecking order.

His favourite climb was close to the German border at Turckheim Trois-Epis, a challenging 6km hill involving 103 gear changes in one run.

‘I ran on very low fuel and picked up a fuel surge and lost my last run and slipped down to 20th out of 152 competitors,’ he said.

This year he drove a Dallara 399 Formula Three car with a Toyota touring car engine, developing 285 brake horsepower. The car weighs 460 kilos with the driver.

Next year he will be driving the next generation of Dallara 304 Formula Three cars, which has a six-speed sequential gearbox.

‘I will be able to use more of my power band as this year I have only had four gears. I’m really looking forward to it with the knowledge I have learnt this year and hope to climb up the grid,’ said Le Maitre.

The Sarnian was also invited with the top competitors from each of the country’s regions to participate in the Master Top Montagne Saint-Goueno 2007 regional hill climb that organisers are attempting to upgrade to a national event.

‘I did really well,’ he said.

It was his third time there in front of 12,000 spectators and he knew the circuit well compared to some of the other drivers.

In first practice he was third quickest out of about 150 cars and fifth fastest in second practice.

On the first timed run, he came a cautious fifth on a damp hill, but unfortunately the second and third were spoilt by rain.

Overall he finished a creditable seventh.

Next season there are 13 championship rounds and he is planning to do 11 or 12.

‘A podium finish will be the goal or top-10 overall,’ he said.

‘I am never going to beat the Formula 3000cc cars with about 500bhp. They are the big boys and you need a team around you.

‘All these guys are virtually professional, including Lionel Regal, who won the championship for the third consecutive year.

‘Hill climb is very big in France,’ he stressed.

He is looking for sponsorship, large or small, for his escapades next year, which don’t come cheap.

‘I’m putting Guernsey on the map and I’m very proud of my island,’ said Le Maitre, who wears a Guernsey flag on his helmet.

He thanked Condor and Esso for providing subsidised travel and diesel for his trips abroad.

‘And thanks to my wife and family for putting up with my six weeks travelling this year,’ he said.

Anybody who wants to sponsor him should contact candplemaitre@cwgsy.net or call him on 07781 199571.

He is also seeking pit crew who would like to get involved when he competes away.