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Throughout August there has been a noticeable drop off in marshalling numbers – due to holiday season.  However, from the recent surveys conducted by ourselves and Motorsport UK it is clear that we are being more choosy about the events we attend.  Travelling costs are having an impact and people are definitely picking events further away from home on a more selective criteria.  

This has and will continue to be raised at Motorsport UK – differences in the way the volunteers are treated is apparent by venue, organising club and event.  And various inconsistencies throughout the country make it difficult to pinpoint a definitive answer to encompass everyone’s requirements!  We should however be able to work on the basics and I am hoping these will form the groundwork to the future strategies being discussed within each sporting discipline over the coming months.

Please do continue to raise concerns through the Chief marshal initially and then to your Regional Committees – they are there to support you no matter what the issue is!

We have an EGM on 5 September to agree the changes to the rules and governance of the club.  We would be grateful if you could attend – please contact National Secretary.  The regions are planning their AGMs in the forthcoming months so keep an eye out for the invites.  These are your opportunities to be involved in the running of the club.

The Fun Cup competition has reached its decision point – 14 hopefuls went forward to a 2-hour kart endurance session at Daytona Tamworth.  Teams battling for honours were named after the different tyres manufactured by the sponsors GT Radial UK.  Team tactics were required for the pit stops……. and a safety kart intervention period!  

The group were also recorded answering a series of questions posed by the GT Radial team.  Thanks to Martin Gibson and Ellis Hadley – with input from Paul Rose (JPR racing) – for choosing the final group – it was not an easy decision!  

Drivers – Tyler James, Tom Pledger, Joe Smith and reserve driver Craig Ballantyne will now head to Mallory Park to complete their ARDS test.  And Dan Lloyd and Joshua Lee were selected to support the pit crew come the big day in October.  Looking forward to further updates and a few press releases too!

Sadly, VSCC driver Roger Twelvetrees died on Saturday 26 August whilst competing in his Edwardian-era Wolseley 16/20 at Mallory Park.  The thoughts of everyone at BMMC are with his family and friends, the Vintage Sports-Car Club and members of the motorsport community.  Anyone affected by this incident who needs support please be reminded of our 24-hour a day counselling service.  RIP Roger.

Please remember we are one big family and support each other through the best and worst of times.

Nadine Lewis

BMMC Chair

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!