This Is Guernsey

By Matt Lihou

One of the many bike riders burns rubber on the line. (0596927)

THREE records were broken in the latest round of the Vazon sprint meetings on Saturday afternoon. More than 70 racers took part on a mixture of two and four wheels and treated the sizeable crowd to an afternoon of entertainment.

The fastest over the quarter-mile course was big bike rider Paul Price in the 751cc and over section. Riding his Peter Price Builders Hayabusa, he set a best of 10.32sec. on his final run, crossing the line at a hairy 143mph.

In terms of the records, all three were broken by the current holders. Mark Stanford and Tim Torode both improved their times in their cars, while Jeremy Mann improved his scooter mark on his second run out of six.

One of the youngest competitors of the day was Robert Stanford, who came runner-up in his class, while driving a Fort Escort. Stanford, who celebrates his 18th birthday in a few days’ time, feels that motor racing is a sport for all ages.

‘Anyone of any age can benefit from this. I’ve loved motor racing since I was really young and I think it’s because of the thrill it gives you.’

He was also happy with his time, and knows that he has a healthy future ahead of him.

‘I set my personal best today, so I’m happy with that. I intend to be racing for a long time in the future, that’s for sure,’ he said.

Two men who won their classes were Tim Tulie and Tim Le Pelley, both of whom were racing in saloon cars.

They were each extremely happy with their performances, although Le Pelley was pleasantly surprised after suffering a poor start.

‘The practice run went very badly for me, but as the weather improved, then so did my performance. I came close to the record and the car has held up well, so I’m very pleased,’ he said.

On the other hand, Tulie, who was driving a Ford Fiesta XR2, was less surprised with his performance and said that the investment in his machine had been worthwhile.

‘I spent a lot of money on a new engine, so I would have been disappointed if I hadn’t managed to improve on last year.

‘I’ve won my class with a time about a second outside the record, so it’s been a good day,’ he said.

After the poor weather of the early afternoon threatened to ruin proceedings, the racers were treated to sunshine and improved racing conditions. Heather Robilliard, the competition secretary, thought the day had been a success.

‘We had an average number of entries, with a few new competitors from Jersey coming across this year.

‘The weather improved which obviously helped us and in the end it turned out to be a good day all round.’

Article posted on 23rd June, 2008 - 2.29pm