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The Guernsey Rally organisers say they have been "overwhelmed with strong support following this weekend for which they are extremely grateful" but they will also be reflecting on the events that took place leading up to and during the rally, "to identify areas to improve on, to make the next Guernsey Rally better for the competitors and more entertaining for the spectators".
The events referenced included protests before and during the rally which saw some stages relocated in the months leading up to the weekend's races, and also the disruption of some of those races as they were being staged.
On behalf of the organising committee, Caren Vidamour has told Express how "an event of this scale takes a minimum of 12 months to organise. There is an inordinate amount of work behind the scenes before residents and landowners, directly affected by the rally route, are made aware".
She explained how it can take up to four months for the necessary approvals from Traffic and Highways Services, Environment and Infrastructure, and different Douzaines to be secured.
Residents and landowners are then given a period of time to provide feedback or to object to the proposed stages.
This seems to have been an issue ahead of the 2023 Rally with some livestock owners telling Express that while those who own the fields are informed of the planned stages, that information is not always shared with those who lease the land.
Some homeowners were also not happy with this year's stages - with opposition before the event, and two rumoured protests during the weekend's racing.
Pictured: Official images provided by Comprop/Nick Despres.
One resident who was not in favour of the rally, and has asked to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, told Express that those opposing the event have been subject to "incredibly aggressive and vociferous backlash" from supporters who have sought to intimidate them both before and during the Rally.
A number of people against the event who said their feelings centre around the lack of proper and timely communications from the organisers, felt that has been coupled with social media witch hunts against anyone who does not support motorsports.
Examples were given of 'naming and shaming' the protestors, sharing photos of a protestor's home and her address, calls for protestors who aren't local to 'go home', and suggestions that their houses are 'egged'.
Guernsey Police have confirmed officers attended at the request of the Rally organisers on Friday night but no further action has been taken. Ms Vidamour also confirmed the organisers called for help from police, saying safety is their priority.
Pictured: Guernsey Police were called out to deal with a protestor but no further action has been taken.
"The Guernsey Rally organisers have to abide by the rules, regulations and safety of Motorsport UK," she explained. "Therefore, safety is an absolute priority and the Guernsey Rally organisers would never compromise the health and well-being of the public and/or their competitors.
"The Friday evening stages, namely St Saviour and Torteval, were cancelled due to the safety risks imposed. The behaviour of a minority not only put themselves at risk but many others and their irresponsible actions were not taken lightly. Police were called to assist with the situation but the risks were too high. They were irresponsible acts of arrogance against a registered event for Guernsey’s community, where short-term road closures were permitted lawfully and safety was established at the highest standard.
"The Guernsey Rally is an expensive and complex event to organise and it’s the generous and supportive sponsors’ funding which enables the Guernsey Rally committee to set it up, so having selfish acts like this in an attempt solely to stop it, is unacceptable. Not only did they make a complete spectacle of themselves but cut short Friday’s entertainment for many supportive competitors, volunteers and spectators. That is not community spirit nor the way to act."
Ms Vidamour said it was a small minority of people who took action to prevent the racing going ahead, with an apparent vast majority enjoying the spectacle and supporting the planning processes.
"The majority of residents and landowners were extremely patient with the Guernsey Rally organisers when trying to gain access to and leave their properties during the five-hour road closures. The Guernsey Rally organisers build time into their schedule to allow for these movements and will endeavour to get the resident into and/or out of the stage as quickly and safely as possible.
"A large number of residents showed considerable hospitality towards our volunteers providing hot food and drinks and in some cases the use of their toilet. It was wonderful to see residents inviting spectators into their gardens and drives to watch the action from a place of safety. The Comprop Guernsey Rally is an event that brings a smile and joy to a number of people and provides those less mobile on the rally route an opportunity to see something different."
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Guernsey's first Motor Rally tomorrow
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