CASTEL’S senior constable would support an ‘open to all’ sprint meeting at Vazon providing it did not cause too much disruption.
Deputy Barry Paint (pictured) said speeding was something he saw on local roads on a daily basis and he thought it might give people a chance to ‘let off steam’ in a controlled environment.
‘I feel we have a good working relationship with both motor clubs and I’d like to help them if I could,’ he said.
Guernsey Motor Cycle and Car Club president Bill Cohu has suggested holding a meeting that would be open to non-members but he said no formal plans had been made and that it would need support from the police and parish constables.
Deputy Paint said the club, which runs local motorsports including hill climb and sand racing, wrote to the douzaine about a year ago.
‘The douzaine did have concerns that it might cause more disruption to the public but it wasn’t turned down and more information was asked for,’ he said.
Sergeant Tom Marshall said no formal approach had been made to police and he could not comment until it had.
Aspiring racing drivers thought it was a great idea.
Insurance claim assistant Linda Jones, 34, said her Ford Sierra Cosworth two-litre turbo was her pride and joy and she would relish the opportunity to try it out at Vazon.
‘It can be quite expensive to join the motor sport clubs and do all of the events so I think this would be a way to encourage people who have thought about having a go,’ she said.
‘It would be a chance to try the car out without the risk of getting caught speeding.’
Weighbridge operator Tessa Le Gallez and her engineer boyfriend Lee Jackson, both 31, share a modified 2.5 litre Nissan Skyline.
‘I think it’s a brilliant idea as there are so many high-powered cars here that people don’t get the chance to drive to their full capacity,’ said Miss Le Gallez.
‘It’s an expensive sport and not everybody can afford to race, so giving people a one-off opportunity to do so would be great. It would also give girls a chance to take part in what is a very male-dominated sport.’
Mr Cohu said he had just floated the idea at present and it was something that could be looked at.
‘I don’t see it as being a young kids’ thing and all the necessary safety measures would have to be in place,’ he said. ‘The intention would be to attract people who might be on the verge of racing and give them an introduction to the club.
‘Some people with classic cars might be interested and I could see it as a sort of Saumarez Park show with engines running.’
Three sprints per year are currently held at Vazon, organised by the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club.
Article posted on 23rd November, 2009 - 1.00pm
4 Article Comments
On a more light-hearted note, I wonder whether it’s a coincidence that this idea appears at the same time fuel tax rises. The extra fuel burned during these car-thrashing sessions would also contibute to the States coffers – everyones a winner!! :-)
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I very much hope that this idea does get put into place.
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I’ve been discussing an idea like this with friends for a number of years.
THis could be a great opportunity to persuade the boy racer fraternity to drive a bit more sensibley at other time if a few rules are put in place.
Firstly all cars would have to be scrutinised and must be up to a certain level of saftey. I’m sure a large number of the modification we see on cars round the island are illegal or unsafe. Checking that all these car meet certain standards would improve saftey on the roads for everyone.
Secondly. Set an amnesty date and then after that anyone who is charged with speeding or dangerous driving will be banned from these events for a certain period of time. If the arrive and drive events were run at regular intervals it might persuade some people to drive a bit more sensibly if they knew it would affect participation in the future.
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A good idea but why not hold it on the boy racer’s home pitch at Bulwer Avenue ?
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