MOTORSPORT VOLUNTEERS FEATURE
“ If I did not love what I do, I would not keep doing it,” she smiles.“ It is all about the strength of the friendships and the relationships you have. For me, that’ s a big part of being involved in all these Club committees and events. It is very much a motorsport family, having those relationships and knowing some great people.
“ There is a massive age range involved too. In fact, in July, one weekend I am going to somebody’ s 50th birthday party, who I met through motorsport, and two weekends later, I am going to an 18th birthday party, again, for someone I met through motorsport. You cannot underestimate the depth of friendships you develop.”
In some ways, for Burnip – and indeed for many others who have followed their parents’ footsteps into the sport – it is also about continuing a legacy. That legacy, in this case, is one of supporting and encouraging others into motorsport, ensuring Clubs continue to run smoothly and delivering events that inspire the next generation.
“ I suppose it is satisfaction, and an element of pride, knowing you have played a small part in that happening, a small part in someone’ s enjoyment,” she concludes.“ On the Border
Counties, everything came together this year – even the weather cooperated! – and seeing the winners piped up at the end of the Rally was just phenomenal.
“ After the Hill Rally, a gentleman who had just had his first ever Rallying experience said he absolutely loved it and could not wait for the next one, and I just thought thank goodness we( Craig, Claire and I) did a‘ Welcome to Marshalling’ event in Ancrum in April and managed to get a dozen or so people to come along, hear about it and get involved.
“ And after the Saltire Rally, I read a lovely comment from a competitor called Craig Wallace who won the‘ Spirit of the Event’ award, which was donated by my mam in memory of my dad. He said how much he appreciated getting the award from somebody that he admired and who had supported him on his start in motorsport.
“ Thinking that maybe, in a little way, you have helped somebody get into motorsport, you have ignited that passion, or you are part of the reason that somebody continues to love the sport is lovely – because when you are introducing somebody new to the sport, it is a whole new world.”
JEP
Lindsay Burnip staffed Radio Control on the Ulster Rally
Get Started in Volunteering
All motorsport needs volunteers to help run them safely and effectively. From pits and paddock to trackside, these motorsport heroes do everything from essential administrative work to providing life-saving safety cover.
There are plenty of different types of volunteering that is needed to ensure that motorsport can happen, including Marshal, Clerk of the Course, Motorsport UK Steward, Scrutineer, Timekeeper, Recovery Official and Rescue Official. There are also lots of Club roles that are required to maintain and grow them into the future.
To get involved, contact your local Club using the Motorsport UK Club Finder
Or explore what role might be right for you on the Motorsport UK volunteering page
Revolution- July 2025
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