Jersey gears up for premier motoring event

by GD Mon 21 Mar 2011, 6:56 pm

Some of the most prestigious and exciting classic cars in the world will be coming to Jersey this year for the Credit Suisse Jersey International Motoring Festival, held from 3rd to 5th June.
Entries have been received for the Festival from as far afield as Canada and New Zealand for what has become the largest event on the Channel Islands motoring calendar. Once again there will be sprints, hill climbs and static displays so that spectators can get a really detailed look at some of the most famous and finest examples of motoring marques.
For 2011 the Festival can once again concentrate its activities on and around Victoria Avenue. With the major roadworks now complete, the fabulous moonlight sprints will be held there on the Friday evening with hill climbs on both Westmount and Mount Bingham throughout the weekend. The static displays will take place on the People’s Park.
As part of the event, Festival goers will be able to join in two major motoring celebrations – 100 years of Ford racing and 50 years of one of the most beautiful and evocative marques of all time: the E – Type Jaguar.
The event is organised by the Classic and Vintage Motor Racing Club of Jersey. Spokesman Peter Tabb said: ‘This event has grown year by year to become not only the most prestigious motoring festival in the Channel Islands, but one of the most respected in the UK and internationally. What we try to do is create an event that will be of interest to all, whether they are passionate about performance cars and bikes or just like to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the thrill of getting up close to some terrific examples of automotive design and engineering.’
Roy McGregor, Country Head of Credit Suisse in the Channel Islands, said the company was delighted to extend its sponsorship of the event for a further year: ‘The festival continues to grow and as a company with a long association with historic motorsport we are very pleased to be part of it,’ said Mr. McGregor. ‘Following last year’s temporary move of the traditional Friday evening Moonlight Sprint to the island’s west coast, we are particularly looking forward to its return to Victoria Avenue.’
As well as the main events, Islanders will get regular glimpses of some well-known, and some rare, vintage and classic cars as they are driven around Jersey throughout the weekend as part of the Touring Class.

Further details about the Credit Suisse International Motoring Festival 2011 can be found by visiting www.jerseyinternationalmotoringfestival.com where the latest programme of events and activities can be viewed.