Guernsey Press

Fest for the eyes

THE Heritage Charity Motoring Festival was not only a chance for would-be Grand Prix drivers to have a go, but also for those lifelong fanatics who have dedicated much of their time to their cars to show them off.

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THE Heritage Charity Motoring Festival was not only a chance for would-be Grand Prix drivers to have a go, but also for those lifelong fanatics who have dedicated much of their time to their cars to show them off.

The hill climb at Le Val des Terres and the sprint at Vazon raised money for the Lions Club of Guernsey, MUG and the Saumarez Park playground renewal appeal. For some, it has been a newly-discovered hobby from having a go at previous charity events, but for others it is almost in their genes.

For 27-year-old Mat Lesbirel, an interest in vehicles is something that has been in the family for a while and he said both sets of grandparents were also motoring enthusiasts.

'It is family-orientated – it wasn't avoidable,' Mr Lesbirel, who specialises in car bodywork, said.

He took part in the hill climb in a 3.5 litre Rover V8-powered Ford Transit.

'This is my first hill climb,' he said. 'I have done sprints before but I think days like these are good – it is nice to be able to use a van as you are not normally allowed to, but we put seats in the back to make it acceptable with the standards.

'I do all my own work on cars and restore classic vehicles,' he added.

Sarnia Car Club founder James Reynolds, 40, takes great pride in his Japanese import, a 1995 Subaru Impreza WRX.

He also participated in the charity event.

'I think it is great fun and it is a great way for people to take part and to raise a lot of money for good causes.'

Mr Reynolds, a maintenance administrator at G4S, said the car club has 174 members.

'We meet on the last Sunday of every month at the Albert Pier.'

He previously worked for Le Mont Saint Garage. 'I have done all the work on my car,' he said.

Mr Reynolds was also looking forward to a visit to the Le Mans circuit next month.

'I think the interest in cars in Guernsey is going up and all the car clubs get on well.'

Jack McLuckie, 27, is part of the CiBMW club and Sarnia Car Club.

He drove a BMW 328 at the sprint and is another who has had a love for cars all his life.

'I love the engineering and building that has to be done. I home-built this car,' he said. 'I am a speed freak.'

Mr McLuckie, who works as a kitchen designer, enjoyed the event.

'The weather has been good and I have had three runs on the sprint.'

About the festival

  • This was the fourth annual Heritage motorsport event and the inaugural motoring festival.

  • Previous events took place over one day only and this was the first time the festival ran over a weekend, combining a sprint and a hill climb.

  • The purpose of the event was to give members of the public the chance to take their road cars on a hill climb and a sprint and to raise money for good causes. This year the funds raised will be split between the Lions Club, men’s cancer charity Men’s Uprising Guernsey and the Saumarez Park playground appeal.

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