RE: Marshal Shortage
Discussion
If Octagan!!! (not The BRDC) had not taken our camp site away we would not be in such a state now.
We need our camp site back. The paper/pen pushers and those who are only interested in money don't bother to look at the bigger picture.
I think now is time to start as there may come a time when more than one race will be cancelled!!!!
We need our camp site back. The paper/pen pushers and those who are only interested in money don't bother to look at the bigger picture.
I think now is time to start as there may come a time when more than one race will be cancelled!!!!
When I used to marshall the startline for Rallycross at Brands, the club organisers (TEAC I think) used to come round with a selection of tipples at lunch - very nice!
On a slightly different note, can someone tell me the story behind the stars and stripes flag that's always flying by the marshalls post at the top of Druids and has done for about as long as I can remember.
On a slightly different note, can someone tell me the story behind the stars and stripes flag that's always flying by the marshalls post at the top of Druids and has done for about as long as I can remember.
Piglet said: It isn't compulsory at present. If drivers want to marshal then they can get a signature for it
I also have mixed opinions, I think all drivers should see things from a marshals point of view, I also think marshals should see things from a drivers view (if you'd like to pass me the keys to the Mosler Mr Short I'll have a go...) BUT I don't think compelling drivers to stand outside for 8 hours if they are uninterested is helpful to anyone.
I marshalled at Croft on Saturday, and collected a signature for my efforts. It was an interesting, if long day and I can honestly say I learnt a fair bit. I also have more respect for the marshals as a result as I have a bettrer understanding of what they do.
The day started with signing on, an being asked what discipline I was. My blank look was met with - incident, fire etc?? - to which I tentatively responded 'err, driver' - the p1ss taking started then and carried on most of the day (all good natured though). I got exactly the same treatment from the team when I wandered back into the awning in a borrowed orange garment at lunchtime.
As a 'trainee marshal' you are not allowed on the track when a race is live - only after the end of each race. So you end up mainly watching whilst the other guys (or girls) get the drivers out of the cars and hook up the tow truck out of the gravel etc. The only 'hands on' thing I did all day was check the track for debris first thing, then sweep gravel off the track several times.
Amongst the things I learnt were - where to park up and where not to when retiring, never to use a landmark as a sighting point unless you are absolutely sure it is nailed down - they can get moved between practice and the race, and best of all, duck and cover your face when a car comes hurtling into the kitty litter. That stuff doesn't half travel a long way!! Finally not all drivers respond to the yellow flag properly, and the speed one or two of them came in at when there were marshals out there was a bit worrying.
All in all, a fair bit learnt and although it was frustrating, if understandable, to not be allowed to do anything - I think it was a worthwhile experience. And not just because I got a signature.
Well the honest answer is probably no.
This season with the Tuscans I spend the weekend with the team and watch the race from the pit wall, with access to the timing monitors. I would also then listen to the drivers explain what had happened and see what changes were made to the cars. And perhaps watch the video from an on-board camera.
However, if I wasn't wanting to get in a car, or I was normally a spectator without connections with the team, then I would definitely consider marshalling as a way to 1) get close to the action and 2) get involved.
Its certainly a much cheaper way to get involved than driving!!
This season with the Tuscans I spend the weekend with the team and watch the race from the pit wall, with access to the timing monitors. I would also then listen to the drivers explain what had happened and see what changes were made to the cars. And perhaps watch the video from an on-board camera.
However, if I wasn't wanting to get in a car, or I was normally a spectator without connections with the team, then I would definitely consider marshalling as a way to 1) get close to the action and 2) get involved.
Its certainly a much cheaper way to get involved than driving!!
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