With a free weekend at his disposal, Rob decided to get a different view of Motorsport and volunteered for a days Marshalling at Oulton Park Race Circuit in Cheshire. “It is something I have considered doing for quite a while now but never found the time to do it” stated Rob.

The day started off early with sign on at 7.45am at the Chequers Diner in the centre of the circuit. After receiving his Orange Marshals Jacket and a complimentary Race Programme, Rob made his way to the Knickerbrook Complex where he was posted. After the inital hellos were out of the way and a little bit of banter when the Marshals found out they had a Driver amongst them, the safety briefings took place. “It is all very well organised with the main concern being the safety of the Marshals above all else.” The Knickerbrook complex is overseen by an RAC affiliated Steward, 2 highly trained incident officers, a flag Marshal and a number of incident Marshals ranging in experience from seasoned veteran to first timers. ”I was placed with an experienced Marshal that I would stay with during the day and briefed as to what to expect and what to and not to do” commented Rob.

The qualifying for the day started on a damp but drying track which lead to quite a few spins and offs, luckily most got back underway on their own needing little if any intervention from the Marshals. Following lunch, the racing started along with the rain and the wind. “At this point normally I would have retired to the Motorhome or at least been sat in the Garage. These guys don’t have that luxury and have to stay on post no matter what the weather. And these guys do this on a purely voluntary basis, unbelievable!” After getting completely soaked through for the entire afternoon it was good news to Rob that the final race was cancelled due to the weather and everyone could leave that little bit earlier and get out of the constant rain.

“Despite the weather, I had an excellent day and I have gained nothing but respect for the ‘Orange People’. It is a very social scene with the lots of chatter and banter and I was always greeted with a cheery smile. I was reassured by the level of professionalism shown by these weekend volunteers and will feel in safe hands the next time I am on track. It was a good exercise to do and would recommend it to any Driver who hasn’t done it, regardless of the level they race at. You quickly learn that the flashes of orange you usually see as you fly past are willing to stand in the wind and rain and put themselves in the firing line to help us Drivers. And it takes nothing more than a wave of thanks after the Chequered Flag to show you appreciate them”.

If you would like to find out more information about Marshaling, please visit the British Motorsport Marshals Club website at www.marshals.co.uk.

So Drivers, next time you are on circuit and have just taken the flag, give your fellow motorsport enthusiasts a friendly wave as you go round and show them you are glad they are there. After all you never know when you might need them.