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As polarising views on motorsport threatened to dominate coverage of this year's Guernsey Rally, those involved have tried to share what they see as "the joy behind the sport" with others.
Sharing a series of photos, Jono Robilliard said "instead of adding more car photos, here’s a few pics to share of the joy behind the sport which brings so many friends and families together".
His photos included images of both men and women, and children, enjoying the rally as spectators.
Pictured: Two young fans enjoying the atmosphere at the Rally HQ at Les Beaucamps High School.
Mr Robilliard and his team came 10th overall after two days of racing and were 4th in their class. He said it was a "strong field to compete against" and that they "like many, had a great weekend".
He wanted to thank his navigator Greg Robert, "for pushing me over the two days and keeping us on time", Neil Bourgaize for maintaining their car, and his wife Sadie for her support too. He also thanked the Rally committee, the marshals, set up crew and Sarnia Rescue along with the sponsors which for his team included Ravenscroft, HR Air, Four Seasons Gardening, Impact Scaffolding, LPP, and Barras Car Centre.
Pictured: Jono Robilliard and Greg Robert came 4th in their class at the 2023 Guernsey Rally.
Miranda Knight agreed that while the rally isn’t for everyone "it does bring so much joy to many people".
She told Express that she understood property and landowners are given ample warning of the rally passing by, with agreement from local authorities many months in advance.
"Once the stage routes are passed, then the organisers can make landowners/property owners aware of the event. They allow the owners a chance to object and where possible the organisers will provide further information and failing that they try to compromise," she said, adding:
"The majority of house and landowners are extremely welcoming and offered many marshals and timekeepers hot drinks and food as it was bitterly cold out on stage. Many homeowners were excited about the rally going past the comfort of their own home and gave those who are less mobile the opportunity to watch something different."
Pictured: Some people relished having the rally pass by their homes.
Volunteers who had assisted with marshalling said many homeowners who live on the rally routes offered them hot drinks as the cold temperatures left them shivering.
Other homeowners invited family and friends to watch the races from their gardens adding to the view shared by Mr Robilliard that the rally was enjoyed by many sharing "the joy behind the sport".
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Guernsey's first Motor Rally tomorrow
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