On paper, a 24 hour race at Anglesey with Ford KA’s might not sound the most appealing. However, having marshalled both of the EnduroKA 24 hours races held so far, I am well placed to recommend this event be put into your plans for the 2026 season.
THE SETTING – EnduroKA 24 hours
As mentioned in a previous blog post, Anglesey Circuit is a spectacular setting to hold any race meeting, and racing through the night makes this extra special. Seeing the sun set and darkness set in, whilst over 20 identical cars race door to door, is a fantastic spectacle.
Through the night, the racing is an attack on the senses. Due to the isolated location of the circuit, there is no light pollution. The only lighting comes from floodlights erected by the circuit, and the cars themselves. On a clear night, which I can assure you does happen on Anglesey, this provides an unspoilt view of the sky.
MARSHALLING AT NIGHT
Marshalling at night brings its own challenges. The main one is spotting car numbers, which are not always lit up as they should be. Important things to remember are; ensuring you are wearing reflective, high visibility clothing; only going out under safety car; and being wary of your surroundings. You don’t want to be tripping over a rock you didn’t see.
This, combined with light signals replacing flag signals, means there is generally less to do as a marshal at night than there is during the day. This allows you to settle down for the night shift (in a safe place!) and let the atmosphere of Anglesey at night wash over you.
THE RACES SO FAR
2022, and the biblical rain
There have been two editions of the EnduroKA 24-hour races so far, in 2022 and 2024. Both have been true tests of endurance for the teams, the marshals, and the officials alike.
The 2022 edition had a limited number of marshals in attendance, with some longer stints on post being necessary. The nighttime element of the race did provide some respite due to the nature of night racing being less busy for trackside marshals, and brought an unexpected additional benefit as it meant we could take shelter from biblical rain that hit the circuit overnight. These treacherous conditions heightened the adrenaline of an endurance race for marshals and racers alike.
Coming prepared for any race meeting is a key part of marshalling. This is especially true for a 24-hour race, and like many other marshals, I brought a camping stove, plenty of snacks and caffeinated beverages to see me through the time I would be spending on post.
This event also saw support race action from the Trackday Trophy and Trackday Championship, providing varied grids with plenty of opportunity for blue flagging and shorter race formats.
2024, and the 2am toad
The 2024 edition was slightly better manned, with most posts having at least two marshals, and the infield posts being relieved for breaks by swapping personnel under safety car. In fact, there was only 2 safety cars through the entire race that weren’t to facilitate breaks for the infield posts!
I also had company for this edition, and not just from the toad that visited me at 2am which I managed to not stand on in the dark! He kept me company for a few hours before disappearing to do whatever it is toads do during the night. I was able to take proper breaks and get some sleep during the race, with the relaxing hum of the 1.3 litre Ford engines providing the soundtrack to my rest period. I also took the opportunity during my rest in the daytime to watch the racing from the spectator side of Peel corner, part of the circuit I had not seen before. This helped me to appreciate all the more the stunning backdrop that Anglesey provides.
This event also came with support races from the Mazda MX5 Miata Trophy, Clio Cup GB, and Porsche Club, meaning there was sprint races to be enjoyed over the weekend for those who enjoy a shorter race format.
SO, WHY SHOULD YOU DO IT?
This is the big question. After all, endurance racing is a test in any form it takes. But we feel that the reward and sense of achievement from marshalling a 24 hour race is absolutely worth it. The fact this one is at Anglesey simply increases the appeal. Evening meals are also ordinarily provided, as well as a cash raffle, and all marshals in attendance at the 2024 race received a cloth badge, commissioned by the circuit, to commemorate the event.
If you can’t commit to marshalling the whole 24 hours then worry not. If you are only available to marshal one day, or even an overnight session, you will be welcomed with open arms. Support racing from the Trackday Championship, Trackday Trophy and Miata Trophy will come during the daytime on Saturday, and you will be able to just marshal these races if that is all you can commit to.
*picture here of cloth badge given to marshals in 2024* (if it will fit on the blog)
SUMMARY
Any event at Anglesey is always special. We feel the EnduroKA 24 hour 2026 will be an extra special event, and one to certainly consider adding to your calendar. You will be greatly appreciated by the officials and drivers, and will experience the unique challenge of an overnight endurance race.
Oh, and did we mention, you get to visit the breathtaking Anglesey Circuit?
