Marshal: Back to the start


Marshal’s can often go unnoticed and I feel really are the unsung heroes of the sport. I am so excited that this is the start of a 4 part series on my blog about marshal’s within motorsport. I just really want to tell their stories and hope I can do it justice. I cannot thank everyone enough who messaged me and told me their story and is happy for it to be shared.

I felt it was only right to begin from the start, how the marshals got into it and what advice they would give to newbies or anyone on the fence about joining. I can honestly say no one has a bad word about marshaling and they would all recommend it.
There appears to be different ways to get into it, but to make sure you know what you are getting into there are taster days you can do. It will give you an idea about what is involved and whether it is right for you. A marshal Andy told me it is a good way to start by doing a taster day at a track and closer to him and once you are a marshal to add more tracks gradually.

Nikki told me she found out about marshaling when she went to Autosport one day with a work colleague and they got chatting to the guy at the marshal stand. Before they knew it they signed up for a taster day then and there and have been hooked ever since. If you are ever unsure or have questions about what its like etc then a marshal stand is a good place to go. Whether that’s at Autosport international or stands at tracks (I normally see a stand when I go race weekends and not just for BTCC) there is always someone there to talk to and I am sure it would be good to hear peoples stories, watch their faces light up as they’re telling you and they can go in-depth and answered your questions based on their experience.

Joe advised me to visit British Motorsport Marshal Club (BMMC) website. I have checked it out myself and it looks very interesting and I am not even thinking about being a marshal! You can put your details in for a taster day and your main interest, either cars, rally or bikes. Then someone will be in touch with your nearest circuit and when is available to have a go. The website is full of information from memberships to training, more about being a marshal. It looks like everything you would want to know would be on that website. If you try the website and still have question’s then any BTCC group etc would have members that I am sure would be happy to help answer.

This is all just a smidge of what I have learnt and parts of stories I have been told. I hope you have enjoyed part 1 and are excited for what is yet to come!

Comments