‘Even our cows enjoyed the cars, with no signs of distress’

From outside the Imperial to the fields of the Castel, crowds gathered for a decent view of high-octane racing on challenging courses.

Rachel Luff and her family live and have a business based on one of the Friday evening routes.

Despite initial concerns about access, she decided to end the working day early, understanding the hard work and effort which goes into organising such an event.

‘We have cows in our field who actually seemed to enjoy watching the cars, with no signs of distress,’ she said.

‘We had a great evening spent with family, friends and the cows watching.’

She added that she hoped that a rally would take place again next year, and that those who disagree with it can help to find a compromise to allow it to continue.

‘A few hours’ disruption without access to the property and a small loss to our business, but it was worth it,’ she said.

‘We all enjoy different things in life and surely a few hours in the whole year to give many others joy is not too much for anyone to sacrifice?’

People of all ages turned out to watch the event, including some from Jersey and the UK.

At Rue du Felconte, a clear view of a hairpin turn attracted about 100 people keen to see exhilarating handbrake turns.

Delays caused by a crash at the Prevote stage did seem to put off spectators, but actually built the anticipation of the crowd.

A common topic of conversation among the crowds was the amount of vandalism and sabotage preventing the stages from starting on time.

Marshals reported dealing with damage and removal of signs and the cutting of tapes which were vital for safety.

Organisers said that there had always been people who disagreed with the rally, but the problem had picked up recently.

‘For the sake of less than 24 hours spread over two days, people are simply joining a trend of protesting against the rally,’ said one spectator watching at Rue du Felconte. He said he looked forward to watching the rally each year.

‘No one is complaining about the roads that will need to be closed for entire days for the Island Games.

‘I hope there will be something done about those who have vandalised the routes as there would be for damage at any other event.’

Peter Bishop was ready and waiting with his camera.

‘This is the right time of year with the least interruption and it adds to the economy by bringing in tourists,’ he said. ‘So many people enjoy motorsports in the island, so the rally definitely should be a recurring event.’

Keen motorsport competitor Ian Le Messurier was among numerous supporters enjoying the rally from the marked spectator areas.

‘It is such a good event and it’s a shame that protesters delayed things because it is causing no harm,’ he said.

‘It’s very well organised and it is a controlled environment and overall a really fun event.’

Business director Jonathan Creasey took his two boys, James, 8, and Thomas, 6, to Rue du Felconte to watch their first rally.

‘It’s something different to do,’ he said.

‘People complain about a lack of things to do in Guernsey, so when something like this is put on, we should go and support it.’