Posts by: National Social Media

Anglesey at the beginning of July saw CSCC hold their 24 hour event – some apprehension from the club but they needn’t have worried.  The marshals who came from near and far (!) did sterling work to make the event a success.  A few tired people by the time we finished on Sunday lunchtime but many hope it’s back on the calendar next year…….pretty please!

The British Grand Prix saw two Brits on the podium – a few organisational issues to iron out for next year for those attending and the recruitment tent (as per separate mail message) but discussions have been started with Motorsport UK so watch this space for updates. 

There has also been discussion around Recruitment, Retention and Recognition – our survey plus a Motorsport UK club survey highlighted similar initial conclusions around the reasons for attending (or choosing) events.  There will be further working groups and feedback to Sporting committees and Clubs accordingly.  And if you want to get more hands on then why not apply to one of the Committees within Motorsport UK?  Applications open until 7 August  direct to Motorsport UK as per the latest Revolution publication (https://www.motorsportuk.org/revolution-magazine/)

Northwich hosted the third Krazy Races event of the year – and it was certainly Krazy.  Mixed weather conditions and dodgy brakes led to some interesting finishes on what is the longest track they use.  Great fun and a bit different.  Next stop is Wolverhampton at the end of August and then Lancaster in September. Still time to sign up – if you are interested please drop me a line.

Motorsport UK have released a video referencing the installation of the Light Panels.  This was sent to all registered marshal – further communication is required but any comments on the video and actual issues experienced should be sent to Motorsport UK directly as requested in the video.

SE Region – a few marshal point changes requested by Motorsport UK. Marshals should raise concerns via the safety@ email to Motorsport UK or via their regional circuit reps. 

NW Region – BMMC NW marshals raised an amazing £239.38 from the sale of Oulton Park 70th Anniversary cloth badges, kindly donated to us by circuit management at the recent Gold Cup event. We are very grateful for their gift and donations have been sent to Race Against Dementia – our chosen charity.  Thanks for your generosity. 

NE Region – the Social Media channels for the region are in the process of being refreshed so that there are more ways to communicate with the region.  Updates soon!

Mids Region – Mel Baggeley has taken on the role of Safeguarding Officer for the ES Team and Donington Park specifically.  The safeguarding policy will be updated on our website shortly to reflect this addition.

The Fun Cup competition has now closed with a phenomenal 80 plus applications.  Those successfully through to the next round will be contacted in due course.  Thank you so much for your interest and stories – a few decision making evenings now required!

Sadly MGCC announced at Cadwell Park at the weekend that it was their last independently organised meeting after 60 years of motorsport.  The meeting at Snetterton in September will run in collaboration with Equipe Classic Racing and Motor Sport Vision Racing.  Championships will race on and further announcements will be made.  We thank them for their ongoing support and wish them well.

We are halfway through another busy year and much has happened with much to do!

Race Committee was held in Bicester in mid June.  This is a specific discipline committee discussing all matters related to Race events and I have this seat as BMMC Chair. 

Discussions centred around the re-write of the National Championship Regulations (NCRs) currently known as the “Blue Book” or “Year Book”.  This rewrite is to enable the navigation through the sections to be easier especially online.  Much of the rewrite should simplify the wording and some re-writes to reflect reality! 

This is a huge job and all committees are involved in their specific area.  We also discussed any potential new / changes to regulations – including a review of the amended Track Limit rules.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to move on to “Future of Race” – part of the strategy going forward.  Some ideas already put forward but time to gather more suggestions and discuss further.

Motorsport UK Council and AGM was held on Tuesday.  The Council’s responsibilities include the governance of UK motor sport, the improvement of safety, the regulation of motor sport by enforcing FIA regulations and drawing up National Rules of Competition, judicial matters and dispute resolution, and the development of motor sport together with the approval of British Championships.  We had some interesting presentations from the FIA on safety (harnesses / netting and helmets), karting and trials as well as discussion about non-Motorsport UK activities.

BMMC Council welcomed Cath Holmstrom as National Training Officer.  We discussed sustainability, our IT databases, the North East region, our Charity partner for 2024, lights and flags signals plus Race with Respect.  We publish a summary on the website for members to read (https://www.marshals.co.uk/marshalling/national-council-minutes/)

Volunteer Officials Committee takes place later this month, but I have already had a number of meetings regarding the NCRs review with the Motorsport UK legal team over the last month too – our specific section is on officials.

A few reminders……

• Fun Cup competition – an absolutely amazing opportunity.  Applications deadline 31 July
• Marshals survey – we would like answers by mid July so we can review, action and feedback to clubs and Motorsport UK.  We are aware that they have launched a club survey at this time too
• Your BMMC number is our unique reference for you identifying your region (AB1234) and Motorsport UK is a 6 digit number – please remember to share your Motorsport UK number with the membership and grading representatives to update your record.
• BRDC Charity – we are in partnership with this charity which offers support to drivers, mechanics, officials and marshals in motorsport no matter where you are in the country.  If you need help please do approach them for support (http://www.brdc.co.uk/BRDC-Motor-Sport-Charity) and remember we have regional committees and our EAP to support you too.

Looking forward to supporting CSCC at Anglesey this weekend for a 24 hour race weekend with a difference – similar to Le Mans Classic which is also happening this weekend, where BMMC Ambassador Jack Fabby will be competing!

This season seems to be racing ahead quite literally and I can’t believe we are into June already!

The beginning of May saw our clubs’ 25th Anniversary Sprint at Curborough.  The weather wasn’t too kind on the Saturday but the rain was not as heavy as elsewhere!  We also celebrated the King’s coronation with a veritable feast of sandwiches, trifle and cake.  

It’s a great little venue and if you’ve never been along, please think about giving it a try – we have another club event in August.  Thanks to Steve and Julie Hill for all their efforts over the years to run this successful event – we even managed to surprise Julie by presenting The Shadow Trophy regional award at the end of the day too.

Reis are sponsoring the Sprints at Curborough this year and we are grateful to all of the ongoing support from our sponsors.  Some of them have their own milestones to celebrate too.  Ginetta Fest at Silverstone (2 – 4 June) will see the 65th anniversary of this marque and MG are celebrating the week after (10 – 11 June) with Triumph for their centenaries.

Lille have been in touch to advise a few delays to proban overall orders.  The new owners send their apologies and are working hard to get back on track but have had a few setbacks meaning orders are delayed – but being processed in order of receipt.  Please be patient – and remember you can still marshal without overalls – just make sure you have an orange tabard / coat available until they arrive.

The first of the Krazy Races was held in Stockport last weekend – a fun event with no engines we are supporting around the country.  Over 15,000 attended this free event and they even had a fabulous fly-past from the Lancaster Bomber.  If anyone hasn’t volunteered for these events and wants to help out please do get in touch.

We have also had a few volunteers supporting the Blair Project – developing the next generation of innovators, technicians and engineers to fuel the green industrial revolution.  Retrofitting petrol go-karts into electric go-karts and racing them against each other.  Thanks to those who have supported these events.

Lights vs flags update – I have had further conversations with Motorsport UK where they have reassured me that there is no drive or desire to move to a “lights only” scenario at any licenced events and that last years “trial” is ongoing until all venue implementations are completed.  The expectation is that lights are to be triggered in the first instance and flags as support during this trial and where required flags only used to display certain signals (white and red/yellow).  This doesn’t seem to be completely clear in the instructions given so ongoing work necessary to ensure this is understood.  Please continue to provide your feedback to the Chief marshal on the day and also to dan.carter@motorsportuk.org – constructively and respectfully!

Lastly following a period of community consultation, on 1 June, some detailed changes will be applied to Motorsport UK’s Regulations regarding track limits.  Please follow the link below to read a letter from Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK Chief Executive Officer, with a full explanation on the amendment, accompanied by visual examples and the amended regulations.

(https://www.motorsportuk.org/amendments-to-regulations-regarding-track-limits/)

Nadine Lewis
BMMC Chair

Photo: Peter Hamilton

April was a busy month with most venues seeing some form of activity – including stage rallies at some of the circuits.

I was out and about at Oulton Park, Donington and Goodwood and May looks set to be a busy month too.

There have been a few big incidents at various venues already this year – thankfully all injured parties are making full recoveries.  A couple of scary ones at Oulton where the roll hoops have collapsed were dealt with impeccably and some amazing responses from the drivers involved thanking the “sea of orange” that came to help.  Well done to everyone involved.

Unfortunately there was an incident at the Goodwood Members Meeting where a marshal was hurt – bruised thankfully – but I will take the opportunity to offer some advice.

Don’t ever feel obliged to do something you are not comfortable with or had training on.   We have a system at my place of work called a “Stop Work Authority”.  This means anyone (and yes “anyone” could be the newbie) can say that something is not right and the work needs to stop.  If it doesn’t look right, feel right or the wrong equipment is being used – stopping the work prevents an incident and potential injury.  There is no harm in applying this to a marshal situation too.  Nobody should feel obliged to do something – on the say so of another – if they don’t feel comfortable doing it.

Sometimes in the heat of the moment – a driver being particularly vociferous – needs a diplomatic approach to calm the situation and wait for assistance.  Even telling the driver that help is on the way recognises their needs but ensures you are comfortable to continue.

I also need to note that Lights were used as priority over flags at the recent first round of the BTCC at Donington Park.  I can assure you that there has been substantial correspondence with Motorsport UK and I await further updates before I am able to share anything with you all.  I have kept the Regional Chairs and National Officers informed of the communication accordingly.

We have started our Taster day programme for the year and great to hear (and see on ITV4) Paul O’Neill give our recruitment stand a mention – which has generated interest online too.  Great work from everyone involved in these important activities to spotlight our hobby for others.

*Please note that due to holidays any subsidy and expense claims could be delayed in May – our bookkeeper Colin is taking a few weeks off but will ensure everything is processed as quickly as possible for you.*

Take care out there and I might see you out and about.

Nadine Lewis
BMMC Chair

At the North East committee held on 20 March 2023, Lynne Kendall advised she has decided to stand down as North East Chair and National Training Officer with immediate effect.

Lynne has been on the North East Regional Committee for 16 years undertaking a significant number of roles including Newsletter Editor, Media Officer, Grading Officer, Volunteering Coordinator, Cadwell ES rep, Recruitment Officer, Training Officer as well as Chair.  Lynne has also been a member of BMMC Council for over 10 years.

We would like to thank Lynne for her service to BMMC NE and Council and wish her well in her future marshalling activities.

We will shortly be advertising for a new National Training Officer to sit on Council – please keep an eye out for this advert for this crucial role in developing our future training programmes for our members.

The start of March is the time for first meetings of Committees at Motorsport UK.  A number have taken place and it’s good to see some of our membership have stepped forward to become new members of these committees.  Our voice gets broader and louder!

My first day on the bank this season tomorrow so I’ve double checked my kit and reminded myself of where I need to be!  Just made sure my pens work and I have plenty of paper and report forms – it’s only wall-to-wall Caterhams.

One note to finish – reference grading and the new Pathway.  The extension to end of June for upgrades by Motorsport UK is for anyone who is missing a training signature and assessments to fulfil their upgrade under the old scheme.  Any signatures you have carry over and you will be now registered with Motorsport UK under the new scheme – Grade 1, 2 etc.  So there’s no rush to squeeze in dates and assessments as you can still upgrade in the new scheme at any time.  

HERES THE IMPORTANT BIT……. Motorsport UK a need to process your upgrade by end of June to qualify under the old scheme.  The BMMC process means it needs to go to Regional Grading Officer then to National Grading Officer before sending to Motorsport UK……so our deadline to your Regional Grading Officer is 30 April to give us enough time to process but don’t wait!  Once you’ve got your final signatures done – photocopy / scan your PRC and include the Motorsport UK registration form (MRF – https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Motorsport_UK_Marshal_Application.pdf) when you send it off.  If in doubt ask your regional grading officer to check it’s all in order so the process isn’t delayed.

So good luck to everyone going for assessments – hope you have a busy post to get your upgrade…..although be careful what you wish for!

We had a great 4 days at Autosport in January.  Well done to the Midlands team for organising the stand and cars – it looked great!  Thanks to everyone who visited us and helped out – we took a number of names of people interested in marshalling and also gave out leaflets to prospective new members.  We also were honoured to get a photo opportunity with Sir Jackie Stewart in support of his Race Against Dementia charity.  Great also to get support and invited to speak with Downforce Radio, Motorsport UK and Silverstone Interactive Museum to plug the BMMC and all the positives of volunteering.

By now you will have no doubt started making plans for your volunteering this year.  The volunteering system is populated for Race, Sprint and Karting events and Jon Cordery has produced a calendar of all things Rally related on BRMC.  There’s a few Krazy Races to get involved in and an event in October over a number of days where separate information will follow.  For those itching to get started we always wait until after Autosport in case there are date changes to correct – but now it is … go, go, go!

We would be grateful if you use the volunteering system so that we can obtain some data on how many days our members are attending.  A number of organising clubs are offering deals to join their club and attend their events – as well as ways to volunteer direct – we have no problem with that!  But please ensure that if you do volunteer direct that you just put “volunteered via club” in our system to register your attendance.  And remember some events may require you to volunteer direct but most events won’t give you priority if you do that!  We ensure your details are passed to organisers accordingly and you are treated exactly the same no matter how you volunteer.

Hopefully I will get to see some of you at training events coming up.  Our trainers have worked hard to ensure these events cover the old grading scheme and the new Pathway to gain your signatures accordingly so please put every effort in to attend and support these where you can.

We are running a new series of Sponsor spotlights as they reach certain milestones this year….CSCC up first for their 20th Anniversary Year a rather special event at Anglesey.  We thank them for their continued support for the club and hope you will enjoy their entertaining events!

I was delighted to receive the BWRDC Goldstar Volunteer of the Year award at Motorsport UK last month at the Bicester Scramble.  Note to all female members – you too can join this organisation (free in year one and £10 per year going forward).  I will be attending their lunch and book launch in a couple of weeks to recognise their Diamond Anniversary.

I also was honoured to be invited to the Royal Automobile Club for the Motorsport UK Night of Champions on Saturday.  Congratulations to Steve Tarrant who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.  A veritable plethora of stars were recognised alongside championship winners.

Sadly we have already said goodbye to three members of the North West community this year – condolences to the families and friends of Brian Hayes, John Watt and Jason Breeze.  All of them long standing supporters of the club and passionate about our hobby.

So time to dust off the overalls and tabards in anticipation of new grading patches coming soon – and look forward to seeing you out and about.