Top speed

By James Varley

Members of Guernsey Kart and Motor Club preparing for the 17th annual Alderney Sprint and Hill Climb. (0644702)

MORE than 60 speed merchants visited the island for the 17th annual Alderney Sprint and Hill Climb at the weekend.

Members of Guernsey Kart and Motor Club began the two-day event last Friday with a 620m sprint from the Hammond Memorial to Fort Corblets. On Saturday, the fastest hill climb in the Channel Islands took place as motorbikes, sidecars, karts and racing cars took on the twisting 845m Tourgis Hill.

Sunny weather made for excellent racing conditions, much to the delight of GKMC president Peter Jory.

‘Everyone had a brilliant weekend,’ he said. ‘A number of records were broken and that was down to good driving and superb conditions.’

Scott Rayson, Mark Stanford, Daniel Pinchemain, John Damarell, Nigel Ozanne, Tim Torode, Paul Priaulx and Justin Smith all left Alderney with Hill Climb records.

Shaun Leigh, Paul Buckingham, Phil Guillou, Clint Blondel, Andy Bougourd and Brian Harrison claimed Sprint records, as did the aforementioned Priaulx, Pinchemain, Rayson and Smith.

Peter said many of the 68 competitors had already signed up for next year’s visit to the northern isle.

‘Everybody enjoys coming to Alderney because the roads are good and the people are always welcoming.’

He added that he was delighted so many competitors made the journey.

‘It is expensive to get here, what with the shipping, flights and accommodation, but I just tell people to treat it as a holiday and not just a normal race weekend.’

Peter thanked fellow organisers, the States and the people of Alderney.

Volunteers are required for tomorrow’s Braye Beach clean-up. The event has been organised as part of the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch 2008 programme and it is hoped islanders will turn up to help make this year’s the biggest yet.

‘Alderney Wildlife Trust and the people of Alderney are proud of their beaches and feel that it is important to keep them clean, which is why we are joining the MCS in their beachwatch campaign,’ said Sarah Cox of AWT.

* Those who would like to help should meet outside The Moorings pub at 2pm, where AWT and MCS members will be waiting.

Article posted on 26th September, 2008 - 2.00pm

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