Anyone wanna be a marshall?

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Kinky

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[Other than our very own turncoat splitter Richard .... ]

http://www.pistonheads.com/motorsport/default.asp?storyId=7944

WANT TO BE A MARSHAL?
Tuesday 3rd February

Find out what it's all about later this month. Get closer to the action!

Saturday 21st February is Marshals' Training Day at Castle Combe Circuit and plenty of volunteers are being sought.

The day is designed for both experienced motor racing marshals and those looking to discover what marshalling at a race meeting is all about.

Mike Skelton of the British Racing & Sports Car Club, which organises the day said: "Marshalling is one of the most rewarding voluntary activities. It's a great way to meet new, like minded people and to acquire some valuable skills, though obviously it helps if you have an interest in motor sport already ."

He added, "At the training days we give people an insight into what marshalling involves, showing them the various different activities they can become involved in. It's an excellent taster for the real thing and is also a chance to meet those you might be working alongside at a race meeting. "

Marshalling at one of Castle Combe Circuit's meetings is an activity open to any fit and healthy person over the age of 16. There are a number of different marshalling activities and a type of career structure in place, allowing people to move to more responsible positions as their experience grows.

"After every race meeting, the marshals gather in 'The Tavern' at the circuit and there is always plenty of frivolity and chin wagging about what has happened during the day. The marshals are very well regarded and supported by the circuit and the drivers, so we always have a free draw with some interesting prizes which the marshals benefit from, " explained Skelton.

Every year, around 10 to 15 new recruits become marshals following the training day, but more are always needed as the meetings held at the circuit become busier and more demanding.

Further information on the day can be obtained from Mike Skelton on 01633 770566.

So, if you want to start expanding your social activities, just turn up on the day from 8 am. There is no need to pre-register and all activities will take place in the paddock.
 
If anyone's interested I can get in touch with my roundy-roundy contact, who incidentaly has been marshaling at CC for years!

Alternatively, come out on a rally!

There's far more to see.....

brook_stages2003_img_0340.jpg
 
Which rallies do you go to Richard? I attend fair few (Sunseeker, Kente, etc, etc) myself. Has to be the best spectator sport around, although it can be somewhat hazardous (which makes it even better) :)

I've considered marshalling but one of my workmates was killed at the FOS a few years back whilst marshalling the finishing post. Made me re-consider.
 
Dave,

Sorry to hear you knew one of those guys. That was a very sad moment for motorsport. It's one thing, that we all know how dangerous it is for the crews, but people often forget the marshals. There was an accident on Mull last year, husband and wife crew, she was navigating and died instantly he walked away unharmed - very sad.

I have competed in the past and have had a couple of narrow scrapes myself with unguided cars heading my way, so I understand the risks. It's one of the sort of things that you don't consciously think about while you're wroking you just get on with the job, a bit difficult to explain because safety is paramount in all that we do.

I only do a few at the moment, Stage Commander or Stage radio usually. I've a 3 yr old girl and 9 month old son, so the rallying has been cut down a little.

Down here I mainly work on local events at Longcross (The Qinetiq test track in Surrey) and on the Tempest (BRC event in Hants) I occaisionaly get to Wales for things like the Wyedean.

I've wondered about things like the Sunseeker but have just never got round to it. The prime events for me are the Tour of Mull (Stage Commander) and the Trackrod (Course Car).

My local contacts here are Craven Motor Club in Reading. Let me know where you are and I'll find your local club, if you don't actually work on events it's still good for the social aspect - like minded people and all that (bit like this forum really :bannana: )
 
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Richard,

I'm in East Sussex. Contacts would be much appreciated. Actually, I forgot to mention the Tempest. That's an annual event for me too. Nearly got whacked by a flailing bumper last year - makes you think (I have a 1 year old daughter so I agree that the implications of something happening are far more serious now).
 
Richard.

Am definitely coming on the trackrod this year...Honest.

P.S. - Did you ever sell the wheels?

Stewart Smith.
 
Dave,

I'll find out which club would be best for you, where in East Sussex? - Sutton & Cheam are quite an active club.

Stewart,

Hi, yes I did sell the wheels to a fellow forum member in Edinburgh. Unfortunately this years Trackrod clashes with the preparation for Mull. It's the 35th event and we're running a stage through Tobermory. It's an awesome sight seeing WRC, Escorts etc running down the main street, left at the chippy and up past the school! It's a popular stage and we're liasing with police etc to ensure we don't have a problem with crowd control. In previous years we've had to stop stages because of drunken spectators.

Here's a taste.....

The main street runs along the harbour wall (yes it's made famous by Balamory the kids programme)

00_tobs.jpg


Then when it all goes dark the cars come out...... this is the chicane round the clock tower..

99_6.jpg
 
Eastbourne.

That's fantatsic!!!! Balamory!! I have to endure that every day - my 1yr old daughter just loves it. Now I can enjoy it to - just need to superimpose the image of rally cars hurtling down there.
 
I'll come back to you Dave - I seem to remember Eastbourne has a good active crowd.

R
 
OK. Thanks Richard.
 

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