50 years of N'Autocross celebrated

Tuesday 06 August 2019

The 50th anniversary of N'Autocross was a success, with hundreds of people turning out to see sand racing return to St Sampson's Harbour.

The event, which took place on Sunday, was organised in memory of N'Autocross founder Frank 'Crank' Besnard and brought back memories for both spectators and participants.

Pictured: Two cars racing in the harbour. Image courtesy of Rob Gill.

It was the first time a sand racing event has been held in the harbour since 2001.

The event began with a parade race for the 'Old Boys' who were led across the finish line by Meeting Organiser and Historian, Amos Ozanne. John Le Page, Nev Browning, Nigel Ozanne and Mickey Roland also took part in honour of former drivers who couldn't be there.

Pictured: Participants in Sunday's event. Image courtesy of Tristan Boscher. 

Leeroy Sebire took most of the wins throughout the day, including the reverse gear race and Grand Slam, which ended the event. Dan Pinchemain finished close behind in second with Martyn Shall in third place.

Meanwhile, Jordan Robert suffered a few hard hits as he lead the field in the B Final and small cars race. Marshals and tractor drivers were kept busy pushing cars off barrels after impact, and Ted Phillips even caused a red flag when he rolled the car out of the meeting on the first lap.

Pictured: Image of Sunday's event courtesy of Tristan Boscher.

Commentator John Bichard from the Guernsey Autocross Club followed in George 'Donkey Books' Torode's footsteps, who commentated at the first meeting back in the '60s.

"It was absolutely awesome," Mr Bichard said. "From the club's point of view we're not going to do another one, apart from anniversaries when we might consider doing it.

Pictured: Participating cars in the harbour. Image courtesy of Rob Gill.

"If the rumours are true and there are people trying to revive the North Regatta, will they ask us? Time will tell.

"It's not impossible to do another. It's not a 'no' but it's not planned from the club's point of view."

Pictured: A crowd watching Sunday's event. Image courtesy of Rob Gill.