Timekeepers are an essential part of racing

Motorsport UK Chairman David Richards recently tried his hand at marshalling for the first time at the Grampian Forest Rally – and he now wishes he had done it far sooner.

“ During my early days competing in Rallying, I used to organise local club events,” says Richards,“ but I never did any marshalling. Looking back, that is something I feel rather remiss about.

“ My time with the marshals at the Grampian reinforced to me what a great body of volunteers we have in the sport. They are the unsung heroes, and it’ s so easily taken for granted. We need to applaud and recognise them more – and competitors should always be reminded of that.

“ I was welcomed warmly, attended the briefing and then got stuck straight into my role on the start line. I was very much kept in the junior level – checking car numbers against the stage starting order – but marshalling is all about a sequence of often simple tasks which collectively support safe participation for our competitors.

“ There was great camaraderie and banter, but behind it all was a serious, well-trained body of people who take their roles very seriously. What struck me most was how professional it all was: the methodical approach, the use of technology and the clear communications.

“ I had a lovely experience with a junior who was waiting to get his novice license on his birthday. He was so excited. He didn’ t aspire to be an F1 or WRC driver, he aspired to be like his father, a marshal, on the event, getting in around the cars, and being part of the excitement.

“ We need a lot of volunteers to run motorsport properly but there’ s a role for everybody and they can come from all walks of life – people who have been marshals before, people local to events who want to get involved, and competitors, who I strongly believe should do at least one event per year to give something back, but also to understand the amazing work that goes on behind the scenes.”

18 Revolution Magazine