Posts by: National Social Media

No need for Halloween – 2020 is scary enough!

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So who wanted to put the clocks back more than an hour?  A month?  How about a year?

COVID-19 reached its first birthday in October and we’re all dreading the terrible twos!  Looks like England heading for another lockdown which may affect any events planned for the remainder of the season.  Keep your eyes and ears peeled for updates from event organisers and Motorsport UK.

But what was last year like? And would you have done anything differently?  Who was at Wales RallyGB – maybe getting a bit wet? Blown away? But would you be back there now – if you could?  I bet you would!

Calendars are tentatively making an appearance for next year with hopes and plans that they come to fruition.  Fingers crossed!  Our database will be populated accordingly in time for the start of next season.  And don’t forget the British Grand Prix application window has opened for 2021.  Slightly different requirements this year due to potential lack of experience gained in 2020 – so check your eligibility.  Still no trainees though – sorry.

It’s that time of year when we sort out all the boring stuff!  Regional AGMs and National AGM are coming up.  It’s your opportunity to see what your Committee have been up to this year and what their plans are for next year.  Even in these strange times we’ve been in everyone has still been very busy.  And your input is important – what have you liked, what’s working well, what do you want sorted?

Membership renewals – In September we advised that 2021 renewal subscriptions would be discounted by 50% for payments received before 31st January and thereafter normal rates would apply.  Direct Debits will be taken in January as normal.  If you don’t pay by Direct Debit – Debit/Credit card or BACS payments can be accepted from 2nd November.  Please refer to Colin Barnes email of 18 October for further details.  And thank you to those who have offered to pay in full.

Overall subsidies – the cost is going up (isn’t everything?) but so is our subsidy to match.  With effect from orders placed on or after 1st November:

  • @BMMCUK will be embroidered on both lower arm sleeves as Club “advertising”
    • Cost of overalls will increase from £74.50 to £83.00
    • No change in postage of £12.00
    • Subsidy will increase from £86.50 to £95.00 to continue to cover the full cost from club funds.

Thanks also to the ongoing support of our sponsors.

Lockdown again!

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I started work (from home) on Wednesday morning with a day full of meetings about BREXIT, SAP implementations, graduate mentoring sessions and …..an updated Pandemic Response Team meeting following the announcement of new lockdown measures in North Wales from 6pm on 1 October.

As I live over the border in Cheshire I am as yet unaffected but that could change and rapidly as the Welsh decision showed.  So is everyone keeping up with these changes? And what it means for you at work, at home and out and about?  The new measures are designed to restrict socialising and allow businesses to continue to operate.  As such our company has made the decision to keep people working from home, stop any on site training sessions and continue to keep our social distancing measures in place.

And of course continue to wash your HANDS.

The new rules do mean that travel is not allowed out of these areas without a reasonable excuse.  This is designed to stop the spread from an area suffering with an increasing number of cases.

From the Flintshire County Council advice on local lockdowns…

Can I travel to and from the area to take part in sport?

No, only if you are a professional sportsperson or an elite athlete as designated by Sport Wales. Travelling to and from the area for amateur sport activities is not permissible.

From the latest Motorsport UK Q&A…

The Government are locking down specific areas and this may include a restriction on travel outside their residential area, has Motorsport UK obtained exemptions for licensed officials or competitors?

No.  There are no exemptions which would allow these individuals to travel to an Event and it is their responsibility to ensure that they comply with the Government requirements in this respect.

The onus therefore is upon the competitors and officials to comply with government guidance.

And don’t forget if you are lucky enough to get to travel abroad – ensure you comply with quarantine restrictions on your return.  There’s not many counties on the list that don’t require 14 days isolation.

Motorsport UK recently announced a new supply of PPE to clubs in light of their new guidelines on wearing face coverings etc.  They have also advised that they have not been made aware of anyone who has tested positive as a consequence of attending an event so the measures are working but only if everyone complies and doesn’t get complacent.

Remember your FACE covering – unashamedly plugging our face masks again!  The only one I will wear for any length of time – it’s comfortable, doesn’t move and doesn’t steam my glasses up!  Contact Eric Ridler to get yours nat.regalia@marshals.co.uk

I have been made aware of a few people who have cancelled their volunteering in advance due to symptoms or positive results.  Don’t forget the declaration that you now sign electronically asks you to be symptom free for 14 days before an event.  If anyone develops symptoms at an event then the Club COVID19 Officer will be notified.  But don’t forget if you develop symptoms and ultimately test positive AFTER an event you must inform the Chief marshal of any events you have attended.  This enables track and trace to be instigated and keeps all officials, volunteers and competitors protected.

Life just got a bit more complicated and Motorsport is continuing – just.  Let’s keep it that way and maintain SPACE to distantly socialise.

BMMC 2021 MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

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The national council, fully appreciates that all members have been touched in some way or another by the corona virus. We would like to show our gratitude for your continued support of the club in a practical way. It has been agreed that, for 2021 a 50% discount to the normal annual subscription fees for those members renewing will apply, therefore – 

Adult £10.00
Joint £15.00
Cadet/Student £5.00

Fortunately, the Club’s financial position is strong enough to stand a reduced income in 2021, however to protect our cash inflow this discount will only apply to members renewing between 1st November and 31st January. Thereafter the normal subscriptions rates will apply. New members will pay the full rate.

We will need to make some changes to the payment platform on our website and a further communication will be issued early in October detailing all membership subscription payment options.

2021 Membership payment will be available online from 1st November.

September – really? Already?

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Having just finished only my second event at Oulton Park over the Bank holiday weekend (HSCC Gold Cup) and catching up on work emails (Europe didn’t have the extra day so I’ve been busy!) I thought I had better scribble my blog otherwise we will be well in to September!

Plenty of events have been taking place around the country throughout August as our National Championships were allowed to get under way and Scotland re-started motorsport.  Unfortunately we are still awaiting decisions reference Wales – two race events rescheduled at Anglesey I was planning to attend have been subsequently cancelled.  The Welsh Assembly are however planning a test day on Sunday 6 September at Trac Mon with 750MC – a limited number of competitors and races but fingers crossed for a successful outcome for Welsh Motorsport that we are waiting for.  I really hope a rally or two can get the green light soon too.

I have had a few updates from marshals about their experiences of the “new normal” and by and large things are working well and you are all coping with the different ways of working.

I am going to try and compile a list of good (and not so good) ideas that we may want to suggest stay in place going forward……

  • Online declarations – pdf forms / electronic forms / sign on portals
  • Information – sent by email / links to websites 
  • Equipment distribution – on post with sanitiser / hand out / collected.  Don’t forget if you feel you are not sure of what process has been used you can always sanitise again (spray a cloth and wipe down) and wash your hands again.
  • Headset – in plastic bags / not used
  • Grid sheets – paper / in a plastic wallet (wiped) / electronic
  • Face coverings – cloth / visors / club design – what works for one discipline may not for another (don’t forget the BMMC branded face mask – great advertising for the Club. Check out the website)
  • Venue precautions- signage / enforcement
  • COVID 19 officers – on patrol / available and approachable – at a 2 metre distance of course!

Please remember that social distancing is paramount!  Even with a face mask you should try to maintain the distance and if you are less than two meters apart you MUST wear one.  Taking group photos is not a reason to reduce that distance either – even with masks on.  At the British Grand Prix all posts managed socially distanced team photos with some clever use of phone settings and long arms!

Dr Paul Trafford not only looks after BTCC events as Chief medical officer but also writes for the FIA medical journal.  This is a free publication which you can subscribe to – interesting articles and they are looking at writing about marshals too.  Feel free to have a look at the latest issue here: https://www.fia.com/multimedia/publication/auto-medical-20

And here is the link to subscribe to future issues if you would like to: http://bit.ly/automedicalsubs

We have our second Zoom Council meeting of the year on Sunday so a chance to look over a few issues and concerns as a group.  Remember if there’s anything you want to know more about or get involved with please contact your regional committee for advice and information.  Your chance to have a say is also possible at AGMs which we will also be planning – probably electronically for later in the year – actually the next few months.  Are we really that far through this strange year already?

Double header

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What a weird and wonderful ten days that was……..British Grand Prix times two!
 
I thought I would take time to reflect on the activities at Silverstone over the last two weekends – the first racing to take place there this year – were the biggest profile events possible so a huge expectation and a monumental effort from all involved.
 
For those of you who were there I hope you have cooled down and for those of you who missed out I hope the following is a little bit of an insight into how it went.
 
The FIA, Motorsport UK, Silverstone circuit, Northamptonshire Police, local Councils, Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport all were involved in the organising of the event and therefore the final instructions were not available until very close to the event.  To ensure we received all documentation we used an APP. Definitely the way forward with daily updates, further information, grids and results!  Can we keep this please and maybe other events may use it too?
 
In terms of numbers the quoted figure was 420 volunteers and officials for the two weekends and although that was lower than previous years – it was certainly more than a standard club meeting at Silverstone!  People were asked to step in to different roles.  

Less numbers on post to ensure social distancing requirements were met.  Incidents happening in unusual places all resulted in incidents taking a little longer to deal with than planned.  But all safely executed and cleared away.
 
Each morning our equipment was delivered to post by the fire tenders having been sanitised from the night before.  Our souvenirs, PPE and tabards also arrived this way (the lie in was appreciated for those who would normally have to collect radios).  Could we do this at future events too?
 
The weird bit about the events was the lack of spectators.  In some ways we reaped the benefits (which won’t happen again with a crowd in situ!):Driving to post each day and parking nearbyFood deliveries to post (no vouchers as nowhere to use them!)Extra chilled water and ice creams gratefully receivedNo queues getting in or outMore police in cars, riot vans, on push bikes, undercover than I could count But we hadNo commentaryNo big screensNo partisan crowd or track invasion (can you imagine when Hamilton won the first weekend? – the crowd would have been insane!)We did our best – cheered and appreciated all race winners.  We had Union Jacks out for the THANKS NHS Spitfire (how low was he?!), but it was quieter than a normal club meeting.  And I know the drivers felt it too.  
 
Our campsites were not in the usual locations – car parks had been converted for us.  And if you lived a commutable distance you were not allowed to stay over.  We had to fill in health questionnaires each morning before entry and security was certainly enhanced to protect us and all attendees.  

We distantly socialised in the evenings and enjoyed the quietness of the campsites (no neighbouring spectator raves or fireworks!).  We weren’t allowed to stay on site in between events due to security and hygiene standards but lots of campsites and hotels nearby benefitted.  We did get electric hook ups and lighting across the site, regular cleaning teams and 24/7 security.
 
Huge thanks to The Silverstone Racing Club (SRC) who kept us fed three times a day, on post deliveries and evening meal collections. Plenty of chilled water and ice creams! – free food, no prep or washing up – whats not to like?!
 
And all the people working in the background to update the APP, sanitise and sort equipment, adapt and change instructions based on issues raised and problems solved – even between events.
 
Did I mention the weather?  It was definitely hot.  A few people taken ill both weekends but looked after by the medical teams and recovered / returned to duty.  Calls to look out for each other increased and don’t forget some areas were wearing face masks all day!  I for one was grateful for the cold start to the second Sunday but when the sun came out the heat returned with a vengeance.
 
With all the hype and previously mentioned issues with media there was a cautious approach to speaking to the media.  Motorsport UK asked me to speak with local Capital radio station who used a few clips on Twitter and plugged our website for us – given any opportunity to mention.
https://twitter.com/capitalmidsnews/status/1291673043119595520?s=21
https://twitter.com/capitalmidsnews/status/1292408495250300928?s=21

Janette Williams from the North West region was interviewed by Jennie Gow for the Silverstone podcast – great work Janette (https://audioboom.com/posts/7650385-celebrating-70-with-claire-karun-wattie)

I dropped Ben Edwards a message as Channel 4 had been broadcasting from the Silverstone Experience and he advised they were allowed in to the circuit for Race One but not Race Two.  He mentioned our club during qualifying and racing when incidents gave the opportunity resulting in 150 plus requests for taster days through our website.
 
On the second weekend Sky were also being complimentary of the marshals and our very own Stephen Green (the priest catcher) got the website mentioned and again another 200 plus requests.  All will be contacted and kept on the books for when taster days can restart.  

I am also working with Motorsport UK to produce some online training which we can offer out as well.  Great news for the numbers in the #orangefamily.  If anyone else gets the opportunity to mention the club please let us know so that we can track the response rate through the website.
 
Ben Edwards also shared his thoughts of the two weekends:
“Working at Silverstone was a very different experience for all of us. For example, although my friend and former BBC colleague Andrew Benson was in the media centre, we couldn’t meet up even at a distance because of the limitations. My temporary commentary box had no view of the track and I couldn’t sit and have a coffee with any member of the paddock, although I did get the chance to see one or two people at a distance which helped to regenerate that crucial connection with the sport. And as I drove out at the end of the Formula Two race and saw the cars cruising past empty grandstands giving no feedback, it re-emphasised the importance of the connection between drivers and marshals as that appreciation of each other’s exploits had a real meaning at the end of a long day.”
 
Dr Ian Roberts – FIA Formula One Medical Rescue Coordinator offers his thanks:
“Even with the special measures, the Marshalling team delivered a first class service at both events. Lots of smiles, and despite lower numbers of personnel, the incidents were dealt with very efficiently from my point of view. Special thanks to the team at Turn 4 who regularly helped us to use the “short cut” into Turn 13 a number of times. It really goes without saying that the atmosphere and buzz was sadly missing, but I’m probably not alone in liking the ease of entering (and leaving!) the venue at each end of the day. Looking forward to Silverstone 2021.”
 
I think we can all agree to that! 

Gathering pace….

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So how’s it been?  The first month back on track with Motorsport in the U.K.  A number of events successfully completed.  Lots of learnings.  New guidelines to follow.  Easing of restrictions.  And by the time you read this the first British F1 weekend will be underway.

Hopefully it’s not been too stressful coming back and for those of you who haven’t been back yet it’s a little different and takes a bit of getting used to.

I was at Oulton on the 18 July for the first BRSCC event of the year.  Including the Chairman Peter Daly who was racing in the Formula Fords.  Having been involved with Motorsport UK writing the guidelines and then being involved in the organising of the event with BRSCC NW you could say I was well versed in the detail!

  • Sign on (allocations) – wearing a visor to ensure people could understand my allocation directions rather than through a mask
  • On post with a flag marshal and incident marshal only (I was Post Chief) 
    • social distancing meant the flag marshal had the use of the box and I stood outside (under my BMMC umbrella most of the day!)
    • swapping places so I could write a report and send via WhatsApp on a first lap incident (Honda Civics contact and one rolled!).  
  • The weather was awful, but the grids were good, the racing intense and the crowd expectant and larger than normal for a club meeting – they’ve missed it too!  We got through a tight timetable, social distancing mostly maintained and incidents well managed.  Phew!

But let’s not be too complacent – the virus is still out there!  

Remember the declaration that you sign online asks you to confirm that you have not been in contact with anyone in the last 14 days with symptoms.  It’s imperative that everyone is honest when signing on to protect themselves and others.  I was recently made aware of someone who had to cancel attendance at an event as they had been advised via the track and trace system that they had close contact with a positive case.  Vigilance is key.

And don’t forget about all the countries you visit which may require quarantine on your return – that holiday in Spain is looking less inviting……..

A little reminder about Social Media guidelines – this is also relevant for the media as well.  Be very careful what you say to the press – they are looking for a story – so despite your five minutes of fame it may not result in the best outcome.  A recent article in The Guardian regarding the British Grand Prix contained information which was not publicly available and has upset a number of marshals attending the event who disagreed with the content.  

The FIA, Motorsport UK and myself – on behalf of BMMC – each gave statements (jointly formulated) to the author.  If you are unhappy with a situation then discuss this with the right people.  Going to the press alienates you from other marshals, creates distrust and can result in serious consequences for the individuals and the reputation of marshals and the sport we love.  Let’s not damage our chances of recruiting more marshals and holding further events in the U.K.  Please use the proper channels to air grievances.

Our branded face masks have had a high take up rate and there’s more due any day to arrive in stock £6.15 + P&P via Nat.Regalia@marshals.co.uk..  Wear it marshalling, wear it to the shops, hairdressers, bank – you’ll probably get some interesting questions!  And most of all stay safe.

Kop Hill Climb Festival receives Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

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Kop Hill Climb Festival (KHCF) volunteers have been recognised with the accolade of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) 2020, the highest honour bestowed upon local volunteer groups to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. 

It is the equivalent of the MBE for such organisations. KHCF is one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious Award this year.

KHCF is run by over 300 dedicated volunteers over a weekend in September. Located in the Chiltern Hills outside Princes Risborough, the event is a revival of an historic annual hill climb for motorcars and motorcycles which dates from 1910. 

Volunteers plan all year round to offer the 12,000 visitors an inspiring weekend with a wonderful array of vehicles and good value for money entertainment options for the whole family. 

Since the first revival in 2009, the event has raised over £750,000 for local charities and good causes. At its heart, KHCF has always aimed at preserving the spirit originally created by those dedicated amateurs over a century ago. For many, it is considered to be the most genuine and quintessential classic motoring event in the country, often referred to as “a garden party with cars”.

BMMC Vice President Chris Hobson said: “BMMC has been involved from the very first days of the event when I was asked to provide marshals for the hill.

“BMMC has been running the hill and paddock for every one of the eleven events held since the re-inauguration. Those marshals who have been volunteers at KHCF have been a fantastic representation of the marshalling fraternity – almost without exception every comment has been of how pleasantly and effectively you have carried out your duties.

“Some have been with me at the event ever since that first one in 2009, some are relatively new to the event.  Whether you have helped at all eleven, or just one, you can be very proud of the way you have represented BMMC and Motorsport UK to the many thousands of people who have taken part in or attended the event.”

Green Flag!

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While lockdown restrictions are gradually easing, I am sure many of you are still facing the same challenges – home schooling, different working hours, long meetings on Zoom, home exercising, not exercising and in some cases, loneliness and grieving.  And as we move towards the restart of Motorsport this different way of working and living will continue for some time yet.  

It’s all going to be a bit strange – alien even – new rules for signing on, managing equipment and WhatsApp groups for reporting!  We are going to be learning new ways of working and it will be a joint effort between clubs, venues, events and officials.

So things might go wrong or not be as you imagined.  Please discuss with clubs, Chief Marshals, COVID19 Officer, your local Committee or me! 

Please don’t take to Social Media – remember EVERYONE reads this.  

We want to show the U.K. public we can bring back Motorsport in a safe and controlled way otherwise we will be back in lockdown again without any sport taking place.

POINTS TO NOTE

  1. The Motorsport UK guidelines have been written for clubs and venues to implement.  The clubs will determine how they implement and communicate to officials.
  2. Venues will endeavour to prepare and maintain enhanced hygiene standards before, during and after events.  Please assist by following signage / instructions and leaving places as you wish to find them (e.g. toilets, litter bins etc.)
  3. Where necessary stay in your vehicles, maintain social distancing, reduce car sharing with people from other households and wash your hands regularly!
  4. Volunteering – manning levels at venues have been determined by venues with Motorsport UK agreement.  It is two per post but these may be a combination of PC, Flag or incident depending on venue.  Clubs will select accordingly.  I don’t envy the selectors – tough job!  Their selection decisions to reduce numbers will lead to some disappointment I am sure.  Post allocation process will be advised by the Chief marshal – so ensure you understand the exact location to stand as this ensures social distancing measures maintained.

As government restrictions lift we expect the guidelines to change as well.

  • Declaration – this will be electronic before each event and can be found on Motorsport UK website here [each club will advise their own process for you to complete]
  • On the day
    • Incidents – a thumbs up is required from a driver to indicate all is well.  
      • Do not touch or enter a vehicle unless you have the correct PPE
      • Do attend to fires, direct drivers and only assist pushing where practicable and PPE is used.
    • Equipment – follow directions from the organisers reference equipment provided, sanitisation, use during the day and returning when task completed.
    • PPE – most clubs will provide specific PPE where necessary.  Recommended – face coverings, spare gloves, hand sanitiser for your own personal use.  And don’t forget to dispose correctly (preferably take home with you)
    • If you feel unwell during the day – contact Race Control and advise.  Return equipment where possible and leave the circuit as soon as practicable.  Keep the Chief Marshal advised of updates to condition after event – especially if COVID-19 symptoms
    • And remember maintain social distance (2m is still the rule – 1m plus where this isn’t possible) and wash hands regularly (did I say that again?!)
  • PRCs will not be signed at the event.  Please record the details of your attendance and this will be checked with Chief Marshals if required.  

We have had a new delivery of snoods arrive – black and orange available from our National Regalia Officer.  Please contact Eric Ridler directly.

We are awaiting the arrival of BMMC branded face masks – we have ordered a limited quantity to gauge interest but we can re-order.  These will cost £6.15 + p&p each and are washable for re-use.  These are not medical grade but meet guidelines for when social distancing can not be maintained.  We hope you find these useful additions to the Teamwear catalogue – due in stock next week.  Watch the website.

The Club is mindful that members have paid full subscriptions for 2020 and yet the opportunity to participate will only commence from 4th July and with restricted numbers at events many will perhaps feel short changed. This would be particularly understandable for new members joining this year, trainees and rally marshals. I want to assure you all that Council will be looking to address this later in the year when our financial position can be more accurately determined.

Finally, our priority remains to keep you safe and well and so please make sure you stay vigilant, follow the required Covid-19 protocols and help prevent the spread of the virus.

It’s time to go racing…..

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The restart of the motorsport season following lockdown is going to be a whole new learning curve for many of us. This coming weekend I will be commentating on the Austrian Grand Prix from Silverstone while just down the road from my home, one of the first national club meetings of the year takes place at Snetterton.

All events are taking place behind closed doors with no spectators allowed, but for those of us involved in the infrastructure, we are going to have to adapt our methods and learn as we go.

Normally I would be part of a crew of around 25 people at the grand prix, from cameramen to riggers, sound engineers and the presenting team. This time we will operate remotely from the Silverstone Experience museum which will give us an atmospheric backdrop but keep us away from the F1 paddock.

Distancing is something we are all becoming used to; whether it’s two metres at the supermarket or hundreds of miles between family members, yet we can still communicate effectively thanks to many of the systems in place, and I firmly believe that motorsport can pick up again in this new format and provide huge enjoyment for participants and fans alike.

Those of us who love the sport also tend to enjoy cars and driving in general, and something we all learn through dealing with traffic on the roads is the importance of space. Dropping back from a slow-moving truck gives you the room to see if there’s a gap to overtake, moving out of a tight queue in the third lane of a motorway gives you more time to react if someone jams on the brakes.

At a circuit, awareness of gaps is crucial; a racing driver needs instantly to assess whether there is room to pass a piece of debris on the tarmac while marshals are constantly checking gaps between leaders and backmarkers to decide on blue flags, or positioning cars accurately in tightly formed assembly areas.

We are accustomed to checking distances, and unlike so many of the customers in supermarkets who appear to be oblivious to the rules that have been imposed, in my opinion the motorsport scene is naturally geared up for it and will cope accordingly. 

Yes, there are other aspects of protection that matter, such as the wearing of masks and careful cleaning. But we’re all used to putting on some sort of special equipment, from crash helmets to protective overalls, and from my early days as a car polishing ‘gofer’ the importance of cleanliness in the racing environment struck home.

So as motorsport re-launches across Europe, I think we can use our awareness to help it blossom in the late summer. If we get it right, prospects are high for a decent season to enjoy. Yes, there will be difficult moments when we have to readjust our perspective and operate in a slightly strange way. But ultimately we can get the show on the road and lift every petrolhead’s spirits (including our own) just a little higher.

Ben Edwards
BMMC President

Volunteering is go!

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We have updated the volunteering database to current available information and will continue to update as necessary.  Some dates have only been confirmed this week as clubs return their staff from furlough.  The plan is still to start Motorsport on 4 July so your help and support in volunteering would be much appreciated.

Please can I request that everyone updates their availability as soon as possible for July and August meetings at least by next weekend (27 / 28 June).  I am aware that British F1 decisions on marshals for the two dates in August will be advised next week to individuals which may alter some of your plans.

Clubs will be looking to meet the maximum number of marshals in the most practical way – and therefore some of you may be disappointed at not being selected.  Hopefully this will be short-term and everyone will be able to go to every event in the near future – but not now.  Please respect the clubs’ decisions – they are not going to be easy!

It is also vitally important for clubs that you unvolunteer for an event as early as possible so that the limited spaces can be re-assigned as well.  So please update and advise Chief marshals at your earliest opportunity if your circumstances change.

For the latest information and guidance please refer to the Q&A on Motorsport UK website which was updated last week and further updates will follow [https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Motorsport-UK-QA-9-6-20.pdf]

Following recent events I want to reiterate that BMMC will not tolerate any form of prejudice or abuse.  We encourage a culture of tolerance, inclusion and diversity and encourage everyone to speak honestly and share their experiences.  

We are all volunteers and deserve to be treated with equal amounts of respect regardless of our differences.  Please remember Social Media guidelines (https://www.marshals.co.uk/membership/) when communicating through these channels and look after each other and our #OrangeFamily.

BMMC Club Ambassador Max Coates Q&A

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As we speed towards July and finally being able to get our probans back on (well if they still fit for some of us!), we caught up with BMMC Club Ambassador Max Coates to find out how he’d been coping with lockdown as a driver. 

Judging from the posts on social media many marshals are clearly missing their fix of motorsport, has it been as frustrating for you as a driver and the teams too?

We miss it too for sure, although I’d say without the eSports I’d be missing it a whole lot more. It can’t replicate every part of the real thing but the competition and racing is just as fierce. The people and the magnitude of the events is what I miss the most.  Knowing that racing is coming back sooner rather than later now is a good thing for our spirits.

E-racing has become everyone’s go to alternative, how beneficial is that for you as a driver to keep your eye in or is it just a bit of fun?

It’s certainly kept my race craft up to date and in some ways advanced it. I’d definitely like to keep some of it up after we start racing in the real world again. The race craft part is a fantastic comparison to real world events.

We now have a date for motorsport to recommence in July but clearly there are going to be some restrictions, do you think the new way of working will impact on the quality of racing?

I really don’t think it will change any part of the on track action if I’m honest.  Off track things will be different, but on track I’m expecting the same things to continue.

Given the social distancing rules how as a driver do you see that working if you’re in need of assistance from marshals on track in the heat of battle? (Will you have your own hand sanitiser onboard!)

It’s clearly going to bring some changes and I think probably the hardest part of going back to racing to protect against. When someone needs help I think it’s only human nature to want to try and help. I’ve not seen the hand sanitiser as a must have, and clearly we wear gloves etc, which need to be kept clean. The ‘driver thumbs up’ if we’re okay definitely needs to be a message that is pushed out to all involved, for us drivers to do so and for Marshal’s to keep their distance when they see that signal. That in most cases should keep everyone safe. I think we’ll be learning a lot in the first few months and as long as we adapt and develop we’ve done what we can.

And finally many marshals may have to continue to self-isolate or be unable to return due to work commitments etc what message do you have for our members ahead of the recommencing of racing?

Motorsport is an important thing to all of us and I’m glad there is a community of people that love it as much as I do. But at the moment, and always, some things carry a larger importance. Health, family and friends are important things too, and at the moment they need to be respect more than ever. Racing is a big thing for all of us, but when the times right, it will come back. Stay safe everyone. 

Almost there but not for everyone

   posted by

Firstly I hope you are keeping well, safe and sane during these times!

Motorsport UK have released their guidelines to getting Motorsport in the U.K. re-started.  They have confirmed that events can be given the green light from the 4 July as long as they meet the new guidelines.  The limitation to all permits of 50% compared to July 2019 – to give clubs time to re-start, return from furlough etc. – will not unduly change the current race calendar (National events e.g, BTCC, GT, F3, F4 cannot re-start until August).  However the guidelines will be too restrictive for rallies to re-start just yet.  Keep an eye on updated Q&A to be released soon.

Unfortunately we are not yet returning to normality (or a new normal?).  However much we may wish our hobby to bring some stability – despite being furloughed, working from home etc. there will need to be some changes to our sport.  Some of these may stay (hopefully the good ones!) and some of the rules may be temporary as we are still governed by our government and regionally devolved powers.

It is Volunteers Week this week so hopefully we can get out there soon and volunteer!  With this in mind we are updating the volunteering database.  To make it easier all existing volunteering will be removed / dates will be deleted where appropriate and new ones added as soon as possible.  

We will advise when it’s ready to go – planning for after this weekend!

AFTER THEN………a PLEA!!!

PLEASE……….. can I ask that EVERYONE updates their volunteering within our system?   [Yes – this includes even you who doesn’t use it at all]

We need to help the organising clubs identify any critical dates / venues / events in the calendar ASAP.  Many of their staff are on furlough until mid / end June and therefore will not know their event situation until then but here’s how we can help.  If we all volunteer correctly on our system we can give a clear indication of availability to Motorsport UK who can determine if any event may require rescheduling (regional volunteering coordinators can pull this information from the system).  Even with reduced numbers some events still may have critical numbers!  We have a great opportunity to help the clubs so please do your utmost.

  1. Volunteering with clubs directly

I know many of you may volunteer direct to the organising club – this is fine but PLEASE tick the “volunteered with organising club” box on our system (then you are still counted!).

  • Preferred meetings

As you can only select one meeting per date on our system please select your preferred.  If you are not chosen you should be given sufficient time to volunteer elsewhere if you would like to but please make changes and update as soon as possible

There are still a number of question marks around dates (many are provisional) and requirements unclear – in particular the British Grand Prix x 2!  Everyone is working very hard to get these dates confirmed as soon as practicable and informing everyone accordingly so please bear this in mind.  And many of you may have questions about exactly what will the event look like.  All clubs are working hard to meet the guidelines but won’t offer specifics until nearer the date.  So please assume they will be ready!

When we do re-start there are a number of points to consider:

  • Volunteering – numbers will be limited: please volunteer for your usual duty and the Chief marshal will advise if you have been accepted (you may need to multi-task!).  If you are self-isolating, vulnerable etc. please consider carefully before volunteering.
  • Declaration – this will be electronic before each event: it will include a paragraph specifically on COVID-19 symptoms (each club will advise their own process)
  • On the day – the means of post allocation will be provided by the Chief marshal (this could be in advance or on the day).  Where possible please stay in your vehicles, maintain social distancing from others and reduce car sharing with people who are not in your household
  • Incidents – a thumbs up is required from a driver to indicate all is well.  Do not enter a vehicle unless you have the correct PPE but do attend to fires, direct drivers and assist pushing where practicable
  • Equipment – follow directions from the organisers reference equipment provided, sanitisation, use during the day and returning when task completed.
  • PPE – most clubs will provide specific PPE where necessary.  Recommended – face coverings, spare gloves, hand sanitiser for your own personal use.  And don’t forget to dispose correctly (preferably take home with you)
  • If you feel unwell during the day – contact Race Control and advise.  Return equipment where possible and leave the circuit as soon as practicable.  Keep the Chief marshal advised of updates to condition after event – especially if COVID-19 symptoms
  • PRCs will not be signed at the event.  Please record the details of your attendance and this will be checked with Chief marshals if required.  There is unlikely to be assessments during this time so only attendance signatures will be verified.

We are adding a snood to our Teamwear catalogue which will initially be available via our National Regalia Officer Eric Ridler.  Website to be updated next week accordingly.

And most importantly stay safe – if you feel uncomfortable with the guidelines issued then do not feel obliged to attend.  You will not need to meet minimum requirements to maintain grades this year and Motorsport UK are advising that your registration is valid through 2021 as well.

We all want to get back out there but only if we feel safe to do so.