Sue Jeffrey began her motorsport journey in minicross and progressed to racing this rallycross Porsche 911. She was the first woman to compete in Supercars in 1998.
Their presence, Butcher points out, makes the racetrack one of the safest places you can drive.“ When a serious incident happens, they instantly stop the racing and people are with you in about 20 or 30 seconds, a doctor soon after,” she says.“ On the public roads, there’ s no team of helpers waiting around the next corner!”
Volunteers don’ t just do it to help, though, they also do it for the unforgettable experiences and friendships it offers.“ You’ re within inches of the racing and you are part of it all,” she adds.“ There’ s also amazing camaraderie as well. You will make lots of friends, and everyone welcomes you.”
Sue Jeffery is a former racer who has spent the last 15 years as a scrutineer. For her, it’ s the combination of purpose, excitement and belonging that makes volunteering such a valuable experience.
“ It’ s about getting out there, doing something worthwhile and having some fun at the same time,” she says.“ I’ ve never known a motorsport volunteer – even when it’ s chucking it down with rain – not having come in and said,‘ oh, that was a good day, wasn’ t it?’”
Volunteering does require a time commitment – but that can be at any level, from helping on a single race event or rally stage, to spending every available weekend at a different location.
Dawn races in the BRSCC’ s Classic VW Cup
“ I’ VE NEVER KNOWN A MOTORSPORT VOLUNTEER – EVEN WHEN IT’ S CHUCKING IT DOWN WITH RAIN – NOT HAVING COME IN AND SAID,‘ OH, THAT WAS A GOOD DAY, WASN’ T IT?”
00 12 Revolution Magazine