Near-Records & Broken Records at Bouley Bay
9th May 2026
by Ryan Hidrio
On Saturday 9th May, the Jersey Motorcycle & Light Car Club returned to Bouley Bay for the Liberation Day hill climb.
With entries reaching capacity, over 100 competitors transformed the tranquil bay into a hive of activity as they prepared for the day's racing. Despite the rain forecast in the week leading up to the event, the day began warm and dry and precipitation held off completely.
Although the event was unfortunately cut short due to a significant oil spill near the top of the course, there was still a record broken and some valiant attempts by both two and four wheel racers alike as spectators gathered to enjoy the action.
Image - JerseyMotoringMedia
One of many rally car entries was Paul Vibert who was showing his usual strong pace in his Ford Escort. Having now held the record in the Rally Cars Up To 1400cc class for five years, Vibert fell just one-hundredth of a second short of matching his best time of 50.20 seconds from last year and no doubt will be back in future to improve on his benchmark.
In the Rally Cars 1601–2000cc class, up and coming Ollie Le Bailly once again edged closer to Sam Touzel's record from 2022. With personal best improvements at three consecutive events, Le Bailly will be one to keep an eye on later in the year as he now sits just a third of a second away from claiming the record in his Ford Escort Mk2.
Another strong outing from Adam Vibert saw him lower his own record in the Motorcycles 251–350cc class. The new benchmark comes just four weeks after Vibert broke the previous record, with the time to beat now standing at 43.85 seconds.
Over in the 351–500 Motorcycles class, and with another bumper entry of over 30 riders, Adam Vibert this time got the better of current record holder Matt Le Brun to take the number-one spot. Vibert stormed to the finish with a personal best of 42.85 seconds which will no doubt give Le Brun something to think about as both riders head into the next two hill climbs of the season in fine form.
Image - JerseyMotoringMedia
Michael Salmon claimed the fastest time of the day with a time of 40.16 seconds with visiting Sarnian Steve Brehaut and local Glyn Moignard claiming 2nd and 3rd fastest respectively.
The club once again extends its thanks to The Mansell Collection for their support and to all volunteers that keep these events running.
The next event held at Bouley Bay is scheduled for Tuesday 14th July and comprises two rounds of the British Hillclimb Championship.
