Sand Racing Report 23rd July
2016
A bright day, a long driest course with a
long infield section for the MX boys greeted the competitors as they descended
on Vazon beach once again with a fairly healthy grid for most classes but missing
a few youngsters due to holidays, wedding, football competition or scout
camping trip. Largest was the production car class 1400cc to1800cc with 9
competitors which is getting more competitive as the season progresses. Top
spots were fought out by Jonathan, Karl, Eric & Neil as listed in the
results with Paul Helyer in his still road legal Mazda MX 5 giving chase but it
was just as intense amongst the lower rank drivers Andrew Robilliard in a
replacement Peugeot 206, Richard Valpied Puma, Matthew Board Peugeot 206 &
Roger Naftel Mazda 323 & in the 3rd race these 4 had an almighty
coming together in the slip bend. The end result was retirement for Matthew
with steering, front & rear bodywork damage & Richard stoved in front
bumper, bonnet etc. whilst Andrew continued racing with near side body work
damage & Roger with a crabbing car as the rear wheels were out of
alinement. Only 4 racing cars this meeting but their battles were close as
Billy still is learning the characteristics of his car just could not get the
better of Clint whilst
The MX class was almost brother take on
brother with the Rive & Le Messurier twins taking on the Pinchemains with
the only interloper being Sand Race Chairman Kevin Rumens who this meeting
managed to hold onto the lead for the full length of the handicap race with
scratch man Billy Rive taking 2nd spot. Billy almost had a full run
of championship race wins but missed out in the 2nd race with a
mechanical failure leaving his brother to pick up that win. Billy & Dave
Cleal provided the filling in a Teed sandwich for 4 of the slider races as Rob
took 5 race wins whilst dad Colin took either 4th or 3rd
spot in these races but in the last race for Committee cup points he out fought
Dave to take second spot. In the junior/intermediate class is was an all family
affair as Harry Ogier took on his sister Erin & this proved to be quite
close. Having had the opportunity to practice in a field on Thursday night Erin
who having reached 14 was now also riding on the road was gaining back her
confidence since taking a tumble last year & this clearly showed in her
riding on the beach whereas Harry having taken a nasty tumble at the same
practice session was running with a strapped up knee & was lucky not to
take another tumble in the last race in which he retired. The 3 cadets again
had their own little course using the slip bend & infield which gave them a
sharp hairpin bend so whilst Gilo& Gemma on their MX bikes could keep in
tight Sam was running wider on his slider machine. As Jason Carre was busy
rowing around Guernsey Michael Beausire was not deterred from having another
outing as passenger to Bill Cohu& they managed to finish the first 3 races
even though they seemed to have to do extra loops into the infield when the
could not get the bike to go straight coming out of the corners, it’s just
unfortunate they there is no other competition for Clint & Ross to face.
Paul Stanford
Paul Stanford
Paul Stanford
Paul Stanford