In a previous article, I explained what a motorsport marshal is and why they are vital to the motorsport scene.
Within this article, I am going to, or at least try to, explain what makes a motorsport marshal. I attempted this back in 2017, but I thought it would be best to revisit it.I am going to attempt to explain what makes a marshal.
When I try to explain what it is that I do as a marshal, it doesn’t always register with the listener that all of this is done in my own time, there is little or no expense paid my way for what I do, and I am willing to stand out in all weathers to take part in the hobby.
They cannot see the underlying passion for the sport; that come wind, rain or shine, I am happy to don my orange overalls and be a part of this incredible sport.
WHAT MAKES A MARSHAL?
It is time to answer those questions that are more than likely blockers to people who are thinking about joining the sport.
Mind Over Matter
When I last spoke about this subject, this was my opening statement: “The first question I’m always asked is, ‘Why do you want to do that?’ Well, to put it in simple terms, I enjoy Motorsport that much I wanted to get closer to the action; there isn’t a weekend that passes where I’m not having fun because of how involved I am with the sport.”
This statement is still largely true. I will enjoy the sport equally as much as a Post Chief, as I am flagging or in the assembly area. There is something exciting about being involved in the sport on such a granular level that I like.
To add to this, the mental satisfaction of being able to go out in all weathers and do a fairly competent job brings with it the enthusiasm to talk about it.
To say that motorsport is not just a part of my life, but an integral and woven part of it, is a bit of an understatement. I don’t let it consume me, as there is ‘too much of a good thing,’ but finding the right balance allows me to enjoy every second that I step into the sport.
It is that mental resilience to deal with the environment, sport, and weather, plus the ability to talk about it with such enthusiasm, that drives us marshals on.
Age Is Just A Number
The average age of a marshal is high. In a social media post by the British Motorsport Marshals Club a few years ago, they stated that the average age of a marshal in the UK was about 53-years-old, but this could well have come down in recent years.
When I first started in motorsport at the age of 16, I was one of the very few I knew of who had entered the sport at that age. Now, I would say there are at least a dozen marshals under 18 volunteering in the sport. “Cadet marshals, those aged between 11 and 16, play a vital role in the paddock area. After the age of 16, many venture out onto the bank, accompanied by a parent or guardian, to try their hand at flagging.” A positive move in the right direction of attracting a younger audience to the sport.
This is not to the detriment of the older generation; one marshal in particular comes to my mind, Don Hall, who started his motorsport career in 1954, the very year after Oulton Park opened, and remained actively involved in the sport until two weeks before his 92nd birthday. A career that spanned seven decades and two centuries is an incredible achievement. Don was and is proof, if proof were needed, that age is just a number.
In short, as long as you are at least 11 years of age, there is a place for you within the volunteer community.
The Balance of Diversity
In 2017, the following statistic was quoted: “25% of the marshals at last year’s (2016) British Grand Prix were women and that had come from the hard work that female marshals have done in the past.”
I would argue that this number is higher again, significantly higher, and this is only a good thing. It shows that motorsport as a whole, not just marshalling, is moving with the times. Their hard work within the sport is being recognised in significant ways. We have had the first female Chair of the British Motorsport Marshals Club, and the majority of Chief Marshals and other Chief Roles in the UK are held by women.
The voices, faces and drivers behind marshalling are now becoming women, and whilst some may not think we are, I would say we are better off for it. Moving on to how accessible the sport is for people with disabilities, I have some exciting news for you.
I know of four marshals with disabilities who actively take part and enjoy it. The roles suit their needs, and like everyone else, they are able to enjoy the sport they love. From memory, I know of two marshals who are wheelchair bound, and two who have hearing impairments who are still able to join us on the bank, pitlane and in the paddock and be engrossed in it.
And remember, this is just who I know of. There could well be more.
Passion and Commitment
People are still shocked that motorsport marshals aren’t paid for what we do. Their reaction actually makes me chuckle a bit.
When we all signed up, we knew what we were getting ourselves into, and you will find us out there making sure that motorsport is safe.
When it comes to volunteering, there is no substitute for heart and passion. You won’t find anyone as keen, eager, or focused on a sport as a volunteer. The only drawback to this is that if we find an opportunity to talk about motorsport, we will.
In 2017, I wrote: “Someone who gives up their time, for no money at all, solely because they love the sport and want to get as close to the action as possible, is all you need.”
And I still stand by it.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, I have spent the best part of 1,000 words explaining that anyone over the age of 11 is welcome to join the sport, but I hope you have taken away that the blockers you think are stopping you are all in your mind.
The marshalling community is one giant family, and if you have made it this far, there is certainly a place for you.
If you want to get involved in marshalling, even if it is just a taster day, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do so. Below are the best places that I would start your motorsport marshalling journey:
British Motorsport Marshals Club – Taster Day
British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) – Marshalling Interest Form
Silverstone Marshal Team
If you are absolutely convinced that you want to become a marshal, we highly recommend starting on the Motorsport UK Marshal page.
