Select a region
The 2023 Guernsey Rally won over new supporters as well as delighting life long motorsport fans with two days of racing over the weekend.
After a covid-forced gap of two years, the Rally returned on Friday for a fifth year.
Hundreds of people were seen watching the event from vantage spectator sports on Friday and Saturday, with more watching from home via dedicated live feeds of the races.
Entries came from Jersey and the UK as well as local drivers, supported by co-drivers, marshalls, officials, and more.
Pictured: Images top and above supplied by Comprop/Nick Despres - further images are available at nickdespres.com and Facebook/nickdespresphotography
Despite some opposition ahead of and during the event, there has been overwhelming support for the organisers.
Haydn Chappell told Express that he was one of the UK visitors who came to Guernsey for the '23 Rally and he hopes to come back for next year's event too.
"The rally took just four hours to pass individual properties - that's four hours per year to endure a little inconvenience or enjoy a spectacular event.
"I came over from the mainland, specifically for the rally, and my total journey time was longer than four hours. Needless to say, as a visitor I used many local services whilst I was there - local airline, car rental, hotel, cafe (Vista at Vazon) and many visits to local shops. I was just one of many visitors to Guernsey at the weekend and we all brought extra funds to the local economy during the 'closed season'.
"I love the island and the people, and we'll hopefully see another Guernsey Rally next year."
Local motorsport enthusiasts also praised the event and thanked all those involved in organising it, and approving it.
Lee Corbet told Express that he sent the below message to the people involved after enjoying watching this year's races.
"Can I just say a huge thank you to all of you involved in obtaining the necessary approvals for this years rally to pass through the parishes.
"What a superb event for Guernsey, well run by a hard working but small group of people. It brings a great deal of pleasure to those who braved the cold to watch, Marshall and participate and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow for our island as not only does it bring extra bed nights to Guernsey but it also makes a lot of people of all ages enjoy themselves on an otherwise dull and dreary weekend.
"The annual timing of the event is a great boost for our economy and the off season sees much money being spent by crews preparing themselves for the spectacle.
"Long may it continue."
Harriet Ferbrache had braved the cold to volunteer as a marshal and said she had thoroughly enjoyed it.
"Despite leaving my soul in bed at 6am, I loved my first time marshalling for the Guernsey Rally," she said.
"Todays stage had no complaints, loads of happy spectators and the home owners next to the Fairfield provided use of their toilet and made us hot coffees! Thanks to everyone involved in providing us with another amazing event."
Other comment shared with Express also reflected the admiration held for the organisers with Phil Leale saying he hopes it carries on next year.
"Guernsey needs things like this," he said, "and 100s of people like it. You're always going to get the odd few that would be happy for it to be cancelled, and there is a lot of business for the hotels at a quiet time of the year."
Jamie Trebert agreed that holding a popular event in February is good for the island, and those watching.
"I think the Guernsey rally is a good thing for the island as it brings in a large amount of money into the island's economy in a period of the year that would normally be quiet. Numerous crews come over to the island for the week bringing with them family and their service crews filling hotels. It brings thousands of people out over the weekend to enjoy the event.
"The majority of households are for the event and this was shown this weekend with a resident that was on the stage inviting over 100 people into their front garden. Other residents offering marshals and officials tea and coffee as they stood out in the cold all day.
"For all the hard work that all the organizers put into this event and all the crews that come over and support the event each and every year it was a shame to see someone try to ruin it on the Friday."
Pictured: Images top and above supplied by Comprop/Nick Despres - further images are available at nickdespres.com and Facebook/nickdespresphotography
Rally opposers disappointed with communication
Rally row residents maintain opposition
Guernsey's first Motor Rally tomorrow
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.