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A registered Rally marshal and motorsports commentator Duncan Douglas is the latest addition to the growing band of BMMC Club Ambassadors, continuing a long family tradition of association with the club.

Duncan is the Grandson of Keith Douglas, one of the BMMC’s founding members and the Douglas family have been involved in motor racing since the last 1940s’s.

Keith was himself one of the early pioneering commentators who was followed on that path by both Duncan’s father and uncle before Duncan himself continued the tradition.

His earliest memories of motor sport is of rallying and, as a registered rally marshal, Duncan is very aware of the importance of the various roles of the marshals. From his position as a commentator at motor race meetings he often sees the hard work and professionalism of the marshals, and always take time to thank them.

Duncan said: “I am very proud to be a Brand Ambassador for the BMMC. I feel it is particularly appropriate that I promote the Club as my Grandfather, Keith, was one of the founder members.”

BMMC National Chair Nadine Lewis said: “Duncan is a welcome addition to the BMMC Club Ambassador family. As the grandson of one of our founding members it is a particularly pleasing to be able to invite Duncan to take up this honorary role, one I’m sure he and his family are proud to be able to accept.”

‘On 19th March 2019, the constitution of Motorsport UK was changed by a unanimous vote of our Council. This is now documented in our new Memorandum and Articles of Association. As a result, the composition and roles of our Board, Council and Committees are in the process of significant change.

Motorsport UK is seeking applications from individuals wishing to be part of shaping the future of motorsport in the UK.

Applications are now open for the following roles:

• Independent non-executive Board Directors
• Council Members
• Specialist Committee Chairs and Members

All applications must be e-mailed to Andrea.Richards@motorsportuk.org and be received by Sunday 30th June 2019. All applications will be acknowledged. Please mark clearly the role for which you are applying’

BMMC are seeking members to represent volunteers on the following Committees in particular

• Autotest Committee
• Cross Country Committee
• Historic Committee
• Kart Committee
• Safety Committee
• Speed Events Committee 
• Autocross & Rallycross Sub Committee
• Dragster Sub Committee
• Street Sport Working Group
• Trials Committee
• Marshals’ Working Group

I would be most grateful if anyone who is considering applying to advise myself to avoid duplication and to ensure that we have representation on all possible committees going forward.

If you feel you could help represent the BMMC and help shape the future of Motorsport for all volunteer officials we would certainly support your application to these committees.  If you require further information please do not hesitate to contact me directly.  If you require assistance to complete a CV and cover letter as required by Motorsport UK please do not hesitate to ask.

Applications are required direct to Motorsport UK before 30 June – so please contact me ASAP if interested.

Nadine Lewis, BMMC Chair
bmmc.chair@marshals.co.uk

As I’m sure you are no doubt aware this weekend is the third FIA Volunteers Weekend when the FIA highlight the work of motor sport volunteers around the world, ensuring that the important message of thanks reaches the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to make motor sport possible. It is also a catalyst for encouraging new volunteers to the sport.

Those of us spending our Bank Holiday weekend out on the bank, flagging, working on start lines, pits and assembly, out in forests and all the other roles and disciplines BMMC members fulfil, can justifiably feel proud of the work you all do week in, week out, in all weathers, to help motorsports events the length and breadth of the UK run safely.

Throughout the weekend, the entire motor sport community – from volunteers and officials to fans, drivers and members of the media – are encouraged to join in and show their appreciation on social media.

Using the hashtag #FIAVolunteersWeekend on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, people can share photos and stories of themselves in action on the day, connecting motor sport volunteers at all levels from all around the world – from club events to world championships.

FIA President Jean Todt said has recognised the work we do this week saying: “Volunteers are the unsung heroes of motor sport. Without them, quite simply, we would not be able to go racing.

“It is important for the FIA to recognise their vital contribution, and the occasion of the FIA Volunteers Weekend shines the spotlight on their hard work and dedication to ensuring the safety and success of events the world over.

“This is also an opportunity to promote the positive benefits that volunteers gain from their involvement, and help attract new people to motor sport.”

Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK added: “Your professionalism and dedication is world-renowned, while your enthusiasm never ceases to amaze me. On behalf of everyone at Motorsport UK, thank you to all our volunteers for your extraordinary contribution.”

So wherever you’ve been working this weekend, raise a glass to yourself tonight and bask in the warmth of the gratitude of all of the motorsports community and the work we all do as part of the #OrangeFamily.

An experienced multiple champion, Calum Lockie is the latest in our line-up of BMMC Club Ambassadors to be unveiled, bringing a wealth of experience to the role as a former British GT and British Endurance Champion.

Calum Lockie has never taken the conventional motorsport route. Starting as the “monkey” in bike and sidecar racing with an early break to complete his engineering studies, he bypassed the usual karting motorsport ladder. 

The early successes in Formula First, Formula Vee, Formula Renault, Group 1 Touring Cars and Caterhams soon led him down the GT route and successes in a plethora of marques and eras. 

From winning the British GT Championship outright in the mighty 700 bhp Marcos Mantara to wins in Group C , Historic Grand Prix cars and the mighty March 717 CanAm car there remains very little he hasn’t won in. 

A prolific endurance racer he’s competed in seventeen 24-hour races including Le Mans in the first ever Diesel LMP1, Daytona and Nurburgring. He’s won 15 championships including British GT and multiple British Endurance Championships and is the current FIA Masters Historic Sportscar Champion.

 Calum said: It is both a pleasure and an honour to be asked to be a Club Ambassador for the BMMC. I have always admired and respected Marshals as the unsung heroes of motorsport, the effort they give often in atrocious weather, without complaint and too often without thanks. We should all remember that we cannot go racing without their sterling input.”

BMMC National Chair Nadine Lewis said: “Calum can boast an impressive CV, has always been a great supporter of marshals and is a welcome addition to our Orange Family as our latest Club Ambassador.”

The Monoposto Racing Club recently has made a donation to the the British Motorsports Marshals’ Club (BMMC) of £1500 in recognition of its 60^thAnniversary to support funding for marshals training equipment.

BMMC Midlands Regional Chair Jayne Poston who received the cheque on behalf of the club said: “It was an honour to be asked to receive this very generous and thoughtful donation from the Monoposto Racing Club on behalf of the BMMC.

“Training is a vital element of our preparation to ensure the 2,400+ volunteer BMMC marshals that work tirelessly all year round are ready to execute their duties to the best of their ability and skills.”

David Cox, President of the Monoposto Racing Club, said “Our Club has always admired, respected and valued the tremendous contribution that the volunteer marshals make to British motor sport and wanted to honour and support that during our 60th Anniversary Year in 2018.
 
“To that end we launched a fundraising campaign, to provide financial assistance for the training function within the British Motorsport Marshals Club and were delighted that our members’ generosity enabled us to donate this cheque for £1500. The presentation was made on a day when we had 60 cars entered on two grids, for the first round of our Championship at Donington Park.”

Four well known media commentators and journalists have accepted invitations to become BMMC Brand Ambassadors in recognition for their support for our hard working 2,400+ volunteers.

Former British Touring Car Championship driver turned ITV4 commentator, Paul O’Neill, now part of a dynamic presentation trio alongside Steve Rider and Tim Harvey is the first of the fab four to be unveiled.

Paul currently spearheads the delivery of the channel’s BTCC social media strategy on race weekends and his support for marshals recently led to a deluge of request for taster days from potential new members.

Paul said: “It is an honour and a great privilege to be asked to become a Brand Ambassador for the BMMC.  I see first-hand through ITV4’s great coverage of the BTCC and its support races how hard the girls and boys of the British Motorsports Marshals’ Club work.”

Joining him is John Hindhaugh, commentator, broadcaster and the voice of the Radio Le Mans and IMSA radio and can also be heard on motorsport commentary on ITV, Motors TV, Mobil 1 The Grid, XM Satellite Radio and the video game Need For Speed: Pro Street. 

John said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to become a BMMC Brand Ambassador, we all value the thousands of hours the guys and girls put in week after week to help us enjoy our racing.”

Next up is Mark Werrell who is one of the UK’s top motorsport commentators, providing informative, energetic & enthusiastic commentary at most major racing circuits & venues throughout the UK.

Mark first started his involvement in motorsport as a volunteer marshal at his local circuit Cadwell Park during the 1980’s. As a member of the British Motorsport Marshals’ Club (BMMC) he progressed through the grading scheme from Trainee, Course, Fire & Flag Marshal to the grade Incident Officer.  

He recently raced for GMP Developments at the Silverstone C1 24hr event and is the main TV commentator for the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series as well as providing circuit commentary for the likes of the British GT/British F3 Championship, BTCC, DTM, Blancpain Endurance Series and many other key events.

Mark said: “As somebody that started my motorsport career as a BMMC Marshal, I always have and continue to remain passionate about British marshals, the BMMC and the vital role that all volunteers play in Motorsport UK recognised events, whether it be karting, rallying, speed events or circuit racing.
 
“I’m delighted and honoured to become a Brand Ambassador for the BMMC and relish the opportunity to represent and promote the club and also work with its members and my fellow Brand Ambassadors.”

Completing the line-up is Chris Hartley who has been a motorsport commentator for over twenty years now – having first been persuaded by an old racing pal to pick up the mic at Little Rissington, back when he was still competing in karts. 

For the past few years he’s been privileged to be part of David Addison’s commentary team for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone and the BTCC’s lead circuit commentator taking over from the great Ian Titchmarsh, and his production company – Chris Hartley Media – produce and edit motorsport programmes for championships like the Fun Cup, Britcar and TCR UK.

Chris said: “Quite simply, without marshals, the rest of us wouldn’t be able to have all of the fun we have watching and being involved in racing. They give up their own time and considerable expertise to be the eyes and ears of the officials and competitors – keeping everyone safe and events running smoothly. And they do it with a smile on their faces. 
 
“Come rain or shine, you can always rely on the marshals to be there. But with more and more race meetings and only a finite number of volunteers, we need to support our existing marshals and get more people involved. I’m therefore delighted to have been asked to support the excellent work of the BMMC.”

BMMC National Chair Nadine Lewis said: “The help and support we receive as a club in recognising the hard work of our BMMC members form all four of these guys is very much appreciated and we hope that by inviting them to become Brand Ambassadors they now feel part of our very special Orange Family.”

The British Motorsports Marshals’ Club has announced a trio of new and updated discounts for its members.

Dread, which hasestablished itself as a leading supplier of corporate, promotional, team clothing and merchandising solutions throughout Europe, is offering marshals a 10% discount on all items from its expansive range of products. This offer is available either on track or online (http://dread.cc) via a unique BMMC discount code.

New for this season Flare Audio (https://www.flareaudio.com), manufacturers of ear protectors and earphones to over 170 countries, are offering a 25% discount on its Isolate ear protectors, Sleeep plugs and replacement foams. 

The Isolates are comfy to wear and come with 3 different sizes of ear foams to fit different ears, while the Isolate Minis have smaller bodies for people with smaller ears. Unlike disposable foam ear plugs Isolates effectively just turn down the volume without distorting sound. and not distorting the music

The Isolates are also currently on offer of buy one get one free too so is a great opportunity for marshals to get them at a very reduced rate.

Finally, Nimbus Motorsport (https://www.nimbusmotorsport.com) Nimbus Motorsport are one of Europe’s leading suppliers of thermal control products, motorsport lubricants and fuels, specialist gloves and equipment for the motor racing industry, have extendedtheir discounts for marshals on Ringers Gloves safety and extrication products used by many BMMC members.

Full details of the discounted prices that are available exclusively for members can be found via the BMMC website.

Speaking on behalf of the BMMC, Chair Nadine Lewis said: “We are extremely grateful to Dread, Flare Audio and Nimbus Motorsport for providing these generous discounts to our members.
 
“The BMMC has over 2,400 volunteer marshals who dedicate many hours in all weathers to their hobby free of charge week in week out and any offers that help them fund the equipment they need to make life more bearable or safe trackside is welcome.”

Acespeed Historic Motorsport owner Andy Harrison has joined the ranks as a BMMC Brand Ambassador in recognition of his many years of service to the sport.

Andy’s journey started as a marshal at Harewood Hillclimb as a 13 year old which led him to join BARC and also Shipley and District Motor Club, where he continued to marshal on club autotests and road/stage rallies until he got his driving licence which led to him competing.

His first experience of the good work marshals undertake was at Mallory Park in 2007 when after an almighty race accident he was tended so well by the circuit marshals and medical team who removed him from a very badly damaged car and took him safely to the medical centre.

Andy is now a sponsor at the Harewood Hillclimb, the place where all this started and regularly attends events at the hill while he is also proudly a Goodwood regular at all 3 events; the Members Meeting, Festival of Speed and the Revival.

Andy Harrison said: “As Barrie Whizzo Williams team mate and close friend I was delighted and very honoured to be invited to be a Brand Ambassador to the BMMC, a role I happily and proudly accept. 

The job marshals do at circuits, rallies and club motorsport is incredible when you think this is all voluntary and enables events to take place smoothly and efficiently and I for one never ever forget to acknowledge track side officials when I’m on cool down lap.”

BMMC National Chair Nadine Lewis said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Andy as a BMMC Brand Ambassador and our extended Orange Family! Andy has a long and proud history in the sport and will undoubtedly be a strong vocal supporter of the BMMC and its members.”

The British Motorsports Marshals’ Club has announced the winner of the David Leslie Trophy for 2018 is North West cadet Harry Mitchell.

The David Leslie trophy was established in memory of this multi -talented racing driver tragically killed in a plane crash in 2008. The trophy is one of David Leslie’s racing helmets donated to the club by his family. It is awarded to a cadet marshal for outstanding performance of duties.

 
In his nomination North West Chair Mike Broadbent also cited that Harry was aquiet lad during his first season, but his true personality emerged in 2018. He is “ever ready” to do any and all of the tasks asked of him, is a willing and enthusiastic cadet and a worthy winner.

The David Leslie Trophy was also sponsored this year for the first time by Cataclean who are providing an exclusive British Motorsport Marshals Club (BMMC) racing jacket recognising Bill’s achievements, a British Touring Car Championship official merchandise kit as worn by the Rowbottom team and a free set of BMMC overalls.
 
Speaking on behalf of the BMMC, Chair Nadine Lewis said: “It’s great to recognise and reward young marshals who are at the start of what promises to be a long and enjoyable career as a motorsports volunteer and Harry certainly fits that bill.

“I’m delighted to have been able to present Harry with the David Leslie Trophy and look forward to watching him develop in the years to come.”

Harry said: “I was really surprised and shocked to learn I had been nominated for this award but am delighted and honoured to receive it.”