Posts by: National Social Media

Chair Nadine’s September message – PRC and registration renewal

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The beginning of the month was a difficult weekend in our Motorsport world with the sad loss of Anthoine Hubert and significant injuries to Juan Manuel Correa at F2 in Spa plus news that a rally marshal died in France.  A sad day and a reminder that ‘Motorsport is dangerous’ and life is fragile.  

It’s important that you take care of yourselves and each other #OrangeFamily

It’s that time of year to renew your registration with Motorsport UK.  This is not automatic – so you either need to log on to their website or contact them directly.

Don’t forget that you are declaring that you have enough attendance and training signatures to maintain your grade.

‘I can confirm that I have complied with the maintenance criteria (where appropriate) as stated in Motorsport UK’s Grading Scheme document(s) to enable me to apply for my requested Marshal Registration grade(s).’

If you can’t comply then contact them directly to confirm your grade and renew accordingly.  

The recent PRC checks produced some interesting responses…….which warrant some clarifications:

‘Motorsport UK has records of my attendance why do I need to provide them’ 

  1. Motorsport UK do not keep records of attendance at events
  2. Motorsport UK are sent details of number of marshals attending but not their names
  3. This is for training days and events
  4. Organising clubs retain details
  5. These are all in paper format and not electronic therefore manual to scrutinise

‘I don’t get my PRC signed but here’s a list of events I have done’

  1. How can Motorsport UK verify your list? (See above)
  2. It is your responsibility to maintain your grade
  3. It is easier to check your details if they are in the same format as everyone else i.e. in a PRC

‘I don’t do that duty any more but still want to retain my grade’

  1. If you don’t perform a duty why do you want to keep the grade?
  2. If you are doing other duties are these above your current grade? – if so then signatures for these days count!
  3. If you hold multiple grades then maybe you need to decide which ones to retain – and good for you if you can do enough days in all grades / disciplines you hold!

Grading may be something you see as a competition and race in itself to see how far you can get and how quickly but don’t forget to pause and ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Have I gained enough experience to perform my new grade?
  2. Can I look after trainees now I have progressed?
  3. Can I manage a team and do they have trust in me to look out for them?
  4. Would I be able to perform my role as well at another venue that is unfamiliar?

There’s no rush! Above all you MUST consider your safety and that of those around you.

My biggest concern is for the number of people who are being asked to perform duties above their training. If you volunteered to be a flag marshal and you are handed a radio you are not suddenly qualified to be a Post Chief. You can make reports if you feel able but really you are given the radio for Race Control to communicate to you or for you to ask for help.

The worst case scenario would be that your decisions could be questioned.  You should only ever react based on the level of training and experience you have received.  So do not feel obliged to do a duty if you have not had any training previously.

Above all safety is paramount – yours and your team.  And this is a hobby so enjoy yourselves!

Chair Nadine’s August message – Health and well-being

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‘I declare that I am physically and mentally fit to carry out my duties and that I will inform the organisers immediately should any change in my condition occur which I have reason or ought to have reason to believe would affect my ability to carry out my duties.’

Did you know this sentence forms part of the declaration that you sign every time you volunteer?

In training we are told to look after ourselves, our buddies, drivers and then worry about the cars. So be selfish and make sure you are ok before you even get to the event – and if you are not well enough then don’t battle on but send your apologies to the Chief marshal. No one will thank you for carrying on if you later require medical attention or put someone else in danger.

Be prepared for the weather – another essential training point. Your welfare is your responsibility – so make sure you have waterproofs, sun cream, hat and food and fluids for the day. Put extras in the car and if the organisers provide something see it as a bonus not an entitlement. A number of events provide water bottles but that’s not great for the environment so reuse them where possible!

We are all volunteers – we are not paid but sometimes get freebies / vouchers / raffle prizes from organisers. These should be gratefully received but not expected! I for one do this as a hobby anything extra is a bonus. I keep my raffle prizes and save them up to buy new kit!

You should be given permission to get extra supplies from your superior – even if someone stands in for you when there is no break in proceedings! Be ready for any eventuality and plan accordingly – check the weather report and plan for the opposite too. We are in the U.K. after all.

It is really important that you look after yourself but what about your buddies. We like to think of ourselves as one big family so check up on each other. And this means mental health as much as physical health.

Georgina O’Hara Smith wrote a thought provoking article for SE newsletter Page 4 – Mental Health, Motorsport and me http://tiny.cc/civxaz

Ask someone who is acting out of character if they are ok? Is there someone you haven’t seen for a while? Can you give them a call?

We have elected MIND as our charity at my workplace. The numbers are quite staggering: ‘Three in five young people have experienced a mental health problem or are close to someone who has’. MIND can help with all sorts of situations and we should help remove the stigma of mental health. It’s ok not to be ok. Thanks Georgina for opening up about this topic.

I would also like to remind all members that there is no place in the club for verbal or physical abuse, harassment or bullying of any kind. This will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly. Please respect each other – opinions, decisions and outcomes all can lead to disagreement but there is no need for this to lead to anything more serious than a healthy and lively debate.

Take care of yourself and each other #orangefamily

As a reminder there’s a prize draw each month so don’t forget to check the website to see if you are a winner!

Brand and communications team update

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It is almost six months since the Brand and communications team was officially formed and felt now was a good time for a brief update on our progress, while sharing details of two ways below where you can help and have an input to the direction of travel.

It has been a busy period with many projects being taken forward, some of which have already delivered positive outcomes and others that are in their early stages of development.

The launch of the BMMC Club Ambassadors scheme has been very successful with many leading figures and opinion formers accepting our invitations to help raise awareness of the commitment of our members and reward your hard work publicly.

Among the leading names is BTCC and ITV4 commentator Paul O’Neill whose praise for the #OrangeFamily live on ITV4 during the Donington Park rounds of BTCC led to over 100 enquiries for taster days via out website within 48 hours! Paul also recently attended the first on scene training at the Oulton Park rounds of BTCC, leading to yet more positive social media promotion of our work and professionalism.

We’ve also run a very successful competition to invite our members to submit designs for a new British Rally Marshals Club (BRMC) logo and the final shortlist was presented to the BRMC committee to select the final preferred design.

This is now being developed for final approval in the Autumn ahead of the reveal of the new logo and its application across all its uses in January 2020.

We’ve also organised four factory visits this summer to Mercedes AMG F1 team in Brackley, two if which have already taken place, and two visits are planned to the ProDrive factory later this year.

How can you get involved?

We have one specific opportunity we are looking for your help with as outlined below but if you have a desire to offer your services to the Brand and Communications team in any other capacity we would love to hear from you. Just contact comms@marshals.co.uk and outline your interests.

Focus group recruitment

Do you want to influence the direction of travel for the BMMC? Do you want to help the Brand and Communications team to develop innovative new ideas for members?

Well now you can!

At our May BMMC Council meeting approval was given for us to create a focus group to help us develop new ideas and give feedback on proposals before they are rolled out to the full membership.

The role

You will be asked to act as a sounding board of members for the Brand and Communications Team and wider Council via a dedicated panel created to test new ideas and initiatives.

What do we want?

We are looking for 2/3 members from each region, possibly with a background or interest in marketing and communications, to become members of our BMMC Focus group. 

The panel is not intended to be a forum for creating their own ideas, to raise non-related concerns or to circumnavigate existing structures eg Regional Committees, other routes exits for that. 

If this is something you would like to help out with please email us at comms@marshals.co.uk with your name, region and BMMC membership No.

Chair Nadine’s July bulletin – Grading and PRCs

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How many of you have questions about the grading scheme?  What does it mean?  What’s the process?  What is in it for me?  Who do I ask for help.

The grading scheme was originally created by the BMRMC (as we used to be called) and Dave Scott (now MSVR Race Operations Director) helped Motorsport UK adopt it as a National scheme for all marshals and now for other disciplines.  So we were the forerunners and continue to input.

Primarily the scheme recognises an individuals’ experience and training to ensure that they are able to manage the duty they are assigned.  The PRC for each discipline was introduced to enable a record to be maintained in one handy booklet.  A number of iterations to the schemes have taken place and potential further adjustments will be made as new ideas and suggestions are forthcoming.  The ownership of the scheme sits within the Marshals Working Group who work with the Training Working Group to recommend enhancements to update the training modules too.

So what can you do to gain signatures?

  • Part fill the appropriate line in the card so it’s easy to know where you want it signing 
  • Ensure you hand your card in to your Chief at the appropriate time (normally first thing when you arrive)
  • Ask your Chief for feedback – if you are the Chief write something appropriate!
  • Remember feedback is to help you – it should contain learning points and or reflections on duties performed 
  • If the day didn’t go so well – make sure you know what needs improving for next time
  • And if you had a great day – remember for next time

[Chiefs – don’t be afraid to put the truth!  Your comments could determine someone’s upgrade – if there are issues you must say. You can’t later complain if someone gets upgraded who you don’t think is good enough if you are not prepared to put an appropriate comment on their card!]

When looking for assessments make sure you have enough attendance and training signatures in place beforehand – remember it’s a minimum number and no maximum. Assessments are for your benefit – once you are ready only.  An assessment is to check your learnings – Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Experience. Again if you are not quite ready then the Examiner can advise additional experience or training required before being re-assessed.  (Examiners – you don’t have to pass someone if they are not ready – help them to understand what’s missing)

Once you’ve got all your signatures then send your PRC to your Regional grading officer – don’t forget to take a photocopy first of all the appropriate pages (maybe do that every so often in case the dog decides to eat it!).  They will ensure it’s completed correctly – you can always check with them first if you are not sure!  Our National Grading Officer will then send it to Motorsport UK after another check.  We know this may seem a little bureaucratic but honestly we have very few returned on technicalities as a result of our grading teams attention to detail.

Motorsport UK circulate all upgrades to a panel from various clubs (except rally) to ensure adherence to the scheme.  Potentially another club may object!  So hold off sewing on those badges until you’ve had confirmation from Motorsport UK….just in case.

Most importantly though there should be no compulsion to upgrade.  This is a hobby after all – so enjoy it and maybe pick up some experiences along the way.  Help your fellow marshals to gain the experience they want and need.  But most of all stay safe!

As a reminder there’s a prize draw each month so don’t forget to check the website to see if you are a winner!

BMMC founding member’s Grandson becomes latest club ambassador

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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.”

Motorsport UK seeking applications – BMMC ask if you would like to be involved!

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‘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

Chair Nadine’s June message

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The three R’s

Don’t worry I am not expecting you to all go back to school – but hopefully you can already read, write and count!

My three R’s are Recruitment, Retention and Recognition – what can we do?

Recruitment – we have a number of events we already target for recruitment – BTCC, F1 and WRGB.  And I know regional recruitment officers plan to attend other events too.  But what can we all do?

  • Talk to people – your school, work colleagues, sports clubs and spectators at events.  Tell people what we do and why you love it so much.  If you want a formal presentation ask the Brand team to help
  • Suggest events to attend – maybe you could help the Recruitment Officer in your region?
  • Offer yourself as a volunteer at your regional events – they are mostly run on a rota basis so you won’t miss the main sessions and you get to talk to people about what you do (even trainees are experts to someone who knows nothing!)
  • Taster days are a great way to encourage a “try before you buy” scenario and they work!  But don’t forget to engage with these new people when they come on post for the first time and they return for future events.
  • Could you look after someone out on a rally for their first time?
  • Much of what we do is geared to circuit racing – but what about other disciplines?  Are there venues where we can put posters? Leaflets?
  • Local papers / radio stations all love a good news story.  Dawnontrack is getting great local publicity with her BMMC branded racing Production GTi

Retention – every year we have a number of members who don’t renew or don’t come back.  What can we do to keep them?

  • Inevitably work, family and social commitments restrict your free time to enjoy your hobby – we completely understand!  But don’t leave us – do what you can, when you can. Don’t forget to tell the Chief Marshal if you can’t attend (even an email after the event!) and especially if you cancel online after the closing date for volunteering.  They need to know you are not coming.
  • Maybe you just forgot to renew – why not set up a DD to ensure it’s automatic.  And update your contact details via the volunteering system to make sure you don’t miss out on reminders.
  • And while you are there don’t forget to renew your Motorsport UK registration too – they need to know if you move address / change contact details too!

But what makes you come back?

  • What do you like about our hobby?  And what don’t you?? (Sorry can’t fix the weather!)
  • Do you like socialising at the end of a meeting and sharing stories of the day?
  • Do you use the benefits that we are attracting? (discounted airport parking / Nimbus gloves / Regalia offers).  And are there others that you could help with or suggest?
  • How about our communications?  Do you enjoy my messages?  Are you subscribed to the regional newsletters?
  • Are your regional committees approachable to answer your questions?  Always use them as a first port of call for Grading, Training, Membership, Volunteering and Regalia in particular.  And any issues which are specifically local should be fed through the regional chairs.

Recognition – we all want to feel appreciated and be involved.

  • Club ambassadors are doing a great job of ensuring that we are recognised at events they are competing in and across Social media
  • Our annual awards are presented on a regional basis – can you nominate someone for one of yours?  The winners are put forward for our three National awards (sponsored by Cataclean)
  • Each year we submit a Marshal of the Year and Club of the Year nomination to Motorsport UK – we’ve attracted some worthy winners in the past.  But who is going above and beyond?
  • Length of service badges are available to recognise your service
  • One lucky annual member receives a trip to Bedford Autodrome for renewing their membership (congratulations to NE member Joe Watts who is this years’ winner – have a great time!)
  • How about writing an article for your regional newsletter on a particular aspect of our hobby?

I hope this has been pause for thought….we each can play a part in recruiting, retaining and recognising our members within the club and to a wider audience.

Let me have your thoughts and inputs – or contact your regional committees.  We may even do a survey and reach out to people – but don’t wait for us to contact you – please get in touch!

Have you got a particular expertise or some spare time to offer your regional committees to help in any way.  Everyone is from such a diverse background and skill set we may not even have thought of!

And by the way I am a volunteer – I have a day job too – so contact me by email if you need to and I will get back to you as soon as I can.  I monitor Social Media but prefer emails – thanks also go to those who take the time to get in touch – feedback is great. It’s good to meet some of you on my recent travels to Donington, Brands Hatch and Castle Combe too.  Where will I see you next?

FIA VOLUNTEERS WEEKEND SPOTLIGHTS THOSE WHO MAKE MOTOR SPORT POSSIBLE

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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.

CALUM LOCKIE BRINGS WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO NEW ROLE AS BMMC CLUB AMBASSADOR

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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.”

Chair Nadine’s May message

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A weekend off from being at a motorsport event for a change – but there was quite a bit on the TV. Formula 1, Formula E, BTCC were all live. And a few races to watch on catch up!I am no good as a spectator and certainly a fair bit of armchair marshalling to participate in this weekend. Friday practice at Baku was a touch embarrassing for recoveries.

Driving into a bridge and pouring hydraulic oil on a Williams – ouch.But how much training do we participate in with recovery trucks? For rallies the operators are licenced by Motorsport UK. For circuits and Hillclimbs they don’t need to be. So hopefully they’ve had experience of race cars and not just recovering cars from a motorway.

That’s where we come in – confirming the recovery required / identifying the towing point / getting the driver strapped in or escorted to safety / performing fire cover if required. The recovery itself we can leave to the experts. Under safety car or snatch as few marshals should be in attendance as possible – why put more people in danger?

Once your job is done get yourself clear and your team. Let’s get back to basics too – I know it’s getting warmer but sleeves down and gloves on please! You never know what’s going to happen or when – so you need to be thinking about what you are going do and how – not getting yourself dressed and ready for action…..too late it’s already happened!

And who was shouting at the TV screen in Baku for GP2 – don’t push a single seater from between the wheels!!! Communicate with the driver – this is always really important. Especially so that you know if it will restart and drive off.

Some big incidents at Donington Park for BTCC too – did every post have something to deal with??And recognition by the commentators for all the marshals – especially Paul O’Neill. A new addition to our Brand Ambassador programme and he used it to full effect on ITV4.

As a consequence we had over 50 hits on the website of people requesting taster day information. Brilliant stuff – let’s encourage and support our new recruits. Do you remember when you started and how you got involved?

A friend of mine heard someone talking about marshalling on local radio – way back when. Now we are on the TV and Social Media too.Talking of Baku – there were a few of our #OrangeFamily marshalling at the circuit. Don’t forget anyone (except trainees) can volunteer to marshal abroad.

You need to request a confirmation letter from Motorsport UK (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfuJo6ZVDzhJCgNbTt4x3tbt36AKrfbS8_YNhpBsQr9VT_AwQ/viewform) and don’t forget to purchase your additional insurance from BMMC. At £20 – for the year – this is a must if you are marshalling abroad (https://www.marshals.co.uk/marshalling/repatriation-insurance/).

Stay safe out there and stay alert. But above all enjoy your marshalling.Hopefully see some of you on some planned travels coming up over the next few months. But if you need to get in touch please don’t hesitate to contact me.

The Monoposto Racing Club raise £1500 for BMMC

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The Monoposto Racing Club recently has made a donation to the the British Motorsports Marshals’ Club (BMMC) of £1500 in recognition of its 60thAnniversary 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 MEN BEHIND THE MICROPHONE FORM NEW BAND OF BRAND AMBASSADORS

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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.”