N'Autocross returns to the harbour

Sunday 04 August 2019

Sand racing is returning to St Sampson's Harbour today for the first time since 2001.

The one-off special event marks fifty years since the first N'autocross took place in the harbour in 1969.

"It began with two separate groups driving their road cars around fields in Torteval and St Andrew in 1967," explained John Bichard from the Guernsey Autocross Club. "A two year search for a permanent venue ended with an invitation to the the week-long North Regatta, for a meeting in St Sampson's Harbour with 11 cars. The date was 5 August 1969.

"The racing was repeated three days later with nearly 100 drivers."

Pictured: Alan 'Knocker' Boscher's car after a harbour meeting in the early '90s. Image courtesy of Tristan Boscher.

Meetings in the harbour continued throughout 1969 and '70, but over the years the sand got more and more silted and driving in the area became difficult. At that point the events moved to Chouet beach, with harbour meetings taking place once a year until 2001, when the marina was built.

"It was a conversation with the Founder of N'Autocross, Frank 'Crank' Besnard, on his death bed in a local nursing home, that spurred the idea of doing an anniversary meeting 50 years from the first," Mr Bichard continued. "Amos Ozanne - also an original member now aged 82 - and myself have researched the history and contacted older members, some of whom will take part in the parade laps at the meeting."

Pictured: N'Autocross Founder Frank Besnard.

Organisers are expecting more than 50 entrants to take part in the races, which will include a reverse gear and grand slam final.

"Guernsey Harbours is delighted to be able to help the Guernsey Autocross Club celebrate," said Head of Port Operations at Guernsey Harbours, Jerome Davis.

Pictured: Image of previous harbour meeting courtesy of Steve Robert.

"This event has been carefully timed and planned to avoid commercial vessel traffic and hydrocarbon tanker deliveries. Since the last time racing was held, St Sampson's Marina has been built. As a result, the St Sampson's circuit this time will be smaller compared to previous events.

"It is a rare chance to see St Sampson's Harbour being used this way at low tide. We wish the club every success for the event and anniversary."

The event will run from 13:30 until 17:30 and spectators can watch from Northside, Southside and Abraham's Bosum.

Pictured: Image of previous harbour meeting courtesy of Martin Dorey.

Public disc car parking on Southside will be suspended while the event is taking place. Any remaining vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.

"Autocross is a major motorsport attraction in Guernsey," added Mr Bichard. "It provides close fast racing on a beach with contact and rollovers guaranteed."

Pictured top: Image of previous harbour event courtesy of Martin Dorey.