One year after the tragic accident that led to the loss of one of our own, we remember Robert Foote, who was a member of our South West Region.
Robert was a regular at Brands Hatch, Gurston Down and Goodwood and was also a scrutineer – he is missed by all.
The outpouring of support, assistance and offers of help following Robert’s loss were humbling and a reflection of what it means to the motorsport community when one of our own suffers such a tragic event.
BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis said: “Reflecting on Robert’s sad loss one year on serves to remind us all that motorsport can be dangerous and the anniversary of this tragic accident is a timely reminder to us all that we must always be on our guard to look after one another.
“We’re forever grateful for the generosity and support from the close-knit motorsport community and the way they rallied around in our time of need.”
So I thought we’d be at Donington Park for two days this weekend and catch up on the British Grand Prix when we got home on Sunday night………..until I got a phone call mid-week!
I had been invited to lunch on Friday at Silverstone with Motorsport UK Chairman David Richards and the Regional Chairs of the BRDC to discuss the BRDC Motor Sport Charity (more information on this in a separate message later this week?) and thought that would be the only day I would be attending Silverstone this year. Due to (COVID) delayed holidays and other plans I would have been unable to have enough leave to marshal so had not volunteered for the event on that basis.
A huge thanks to David Richards, Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers, the FIA and Motorsport UK who engineered the idea of having a marshal on the podium to present a trophy to P2 in the F1 race on Sunday. A phone call from Hugh on Thursday confirmed that it had been agreed by all and arrangements for tickets / passes were hastily organised.
The day passed in a bit of whirlwind – getting in was a breeze on Sunday morning (let’s not mention getting out!). Breakfast while the F3 race was on and then a tour of the Aston Martin and Mercedes garages – fascinating and stopped for a chat with a few scrutineers too. Whilst in the pits I then was interviewed by Lawrence Barretto for F1TV and a memo went out to all the media teams and drivers to tell them who I was in case they finished second (Martin Brundle must have missed this!).
After lunch we were on the grid walk – how surreal was that? A few celebrities I recognised (some I didn’t) but the orange family were all doing an amazing job – sorry if I didn’t get to say hello to you all! Nice chat with Gunther Steiner, Lando Norris (and his Dad) and Nick Hamilton too who all were really grateful to the marshals – so passing on their thanks too.
Then shuffled off the grid ready for the race – OMG that start was scary! Well done to all involved with the Zhou and Albon incidents – thankfully both ok but that certainly woke us up. Not to mention the shenanigans down the Wellington straight – equally great work done by all involved.
About halfway through the race I did an outfit change (!) so that I was ready for the podium – I needed to be there 10 laps from the end so another shuttle bus to the Wing. What a last few laps that was – although I probably need to watch it all again!
I had a set of Silverstone overalls which was the best I could use at short notice as I was not allowed any sponsorship details on them (unfortunately) due to F1 TV rights etc. But to be in orange on a podium above the driver interviews and the teams was just amazing. And I was representing ALL marshals and not just BMMC by presenting the trophy.
Podium briefing with Alex Molina to say where to stand and when to escape the champagne (did you notice I made a run for it?). And then it all happened in a blur……….amazing!
It was an absolute honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to represent the volunteer community in this way with the FIA – the first time a volunteer has presented a trophy for an F1 race. I hope it won’t be the last!
And to you all out there who have sent me lovely messages of support thank you but this is for you – keep up the amazing work #OrangeFamily
Marshals Pathway – John Edwards and Steve Woolfe responded to the survey on behalf of the BMMC to ensure no bias from the Chair(!). The response included:
concerns about the omission of the flag grade
the combination of Specialist (off track) and Track (on track) in to one Race pathway
the reduction in experience days required in each role as a consequence of this combination
how some individuals may feel restricted as they are unable to perform certain duties
Following the survey I was of a mindset to veto the whole Pathway as there seemed an insurmountable chasm to bridge between the proposal and the responses. Sam Walker and Sofia Macbeth from Motorsport UK were tasked with adjusting the Pathway whilst broadly keeping the same thought processes behind the structure. The changes were again discussed at Marshals Advisory Group (MAG) in June and I am pleased to say that a raft of changes have been made which means I can now support the Pathway. Further clarifications, additional FAQs and supporting documents are being prepared ahead of the launch planned next week. I hope that the work put in by Motorsport UK and the MAG alleviates concerns raised – we have definitely listened. There will be a number of follow up emails to ensure the mapping process is clear in the new structure but by and large this should be a fairly straightforward process.
Please note that if you have not renewed your Motorsport UK registration for 2022 then you will not receive any communication or confirmation of your grade going forward (please renew now if this is you so that you don’t miss out!).
Renewals for 2023 will start in August with Motorsport UK so once you know your new level then you are good to go! However if you are likely to complete an upgrade (currently in process) BEFORE 31 December 2022 then please hold off the renewal so that you can upgrade in the new scheme using the current requirements. If you are unlikely to complete an upgrade process before this date then don’t worry all signatures and training days will still count for future upgrades. Explanations of this process will follow from Motorsport UK with the new Pathway.
I had the opportunity to voice my opinion at Race Committee on the process by which the Lights Trial has been communicated. I was firm and polite but sufficiently animated to get my points across! I also had a discussion with Motorsport UK on the Sunday morning of BTCC at Oulton Park. Suffice to say there were some interesting comments raised by Race Committee and responses given by Motorsport UK. I am due to be involved in the working group which will meet next week. Further updates to follow on this topic!
Krazy Races Northwich was supported by 8 NW BMMC members last Sunday – something a little different but great fun with a 15,000 strong crowd. The organisers would dearly love a similar support for their Wolverhampton event and we are providing feedback to ensure this will also be a success. Please get in touch if you can help support this event.
And finally it is the British Grand Prix this weekend – for those of you on duty please take care, enjoy yourselves and show the world how we do this as an Orange Family.
With thanks to the contributions made by MG Car Club Competitors throughout 2021, it was fantastic to be able to make a further donation to the British Motorsports Marshals Club whilst at our recent visit to Cadwell Park.
Chief Marshal Paul Stilling presented BMMC National Treasurer Stephen Woolfe with the donation in the sum of £1,000. A number of Marshals were able to join in the presentation as well as representatives from MG Car Club and all agreed that this would be a helpful contribution.
BMMC Treasurer Stephen Woolfe said: “The money will be used to help provide some of the invaluable training that BMMC delivers to Marshals every single year. MG Car Club Competitors recognise that they simply cannot go racing without the ‘army’ of volunteers that keep them safe during every race.”
The two clubs look forward to continuing to work together and support each other for many years to come.
It’s been a bit of a busy one……..events at Goodwood, Donington and Oulton Park on the weekends. A hectic day job this month too – thankfully we passed our audit this week!
The Marshals Pathway consultation process started and although I have been involved in some forums (not all) which have been very Race orientated there have been some general themes developing which we are taking time to review. The consultation closes next week so be sure to get your responses and constructive criticisms in to Motorsport UK. Our next review meeting in May will determine the next steps for the process.
The BTCC got off to a flying start last weekend at Donington but sadly not without causing a few concerns to our wonderful volunteers. I was contacted during and after the event by a number of attendees. The lack of communication was appalling and following an urgent meeting with Motorsport UK I hope that this will never happen again!
For those who don’t have the details I will keep these brief…..
new lights system installed – additional panels to previously – with start and finish markers to identify zones
the installation and commissioning was completed late on the Friday night
Supplementary bulletin produced on Saturday morning
Post chiefs briefed on Saturday morning that only the lights would be used and flags would not be required
Post chiefs convey message to flag marshals – who understandably are upset / angry that they can’t do what they volunteered for – except press a button if they have a light controller (not all posts have them)
Subsequent issues with the system / responses / concerns etc. (too many to put here!)
I am of the opinion that lights cannot replace flag marshals – if however there is a lack of visibility and / or lack of marshals then they are an aid to a solitary marshal on post. For those times when there are sufficient flag marshals they should be used together.
The positioning of the panels / controllers is paramount to improve marshal safety but must be workable for the drivers. Further trials are planned as the panels and systems are introduced across the UK but I expect proper feedback channels and communication to be available to all concerned – particularly those who are using them locally!
June 1st to 7th is National Volunteers week and Motorsport UK will be celebrating. They would love to hear your volunteering stories to promote the breadth of volunteer roles within motorsport. Get in touch with your stories, top tips for recruitment and retention of volunteers by emailing: club.development@motorsportuk.org.
So my out of office is on for the Bank holiday as I am off to a family wedding at the weekend which has been postponed for two years – some virus got in the way!
British endurance racing star Alex Brundle is the latest BMMC Club Ambassador recruit joining the exclusive ranks of racers, journalists and other prominent supporters of 2,400+ strong marshals club.
Alex is a British endurance racing star, with two visits to the Le Mans 24 hours podium, multiple World Endurance Championship race victories and the 2016 European Le Mans Series Championship to his name.
Alex also enjoys his work as a broadcaster, best known for his commentary and technical insight into world class single seater and endurance competition.
Speaking on becoming a BMMC Club Ambassador Alex said: “‘I am delighted to be invited to be an ambassador for the BMMC, Marshals voluntarily deliver an incredible service to the world of motorsport and we would be lost without them.
“It’s a great pleasure to give back a little something to that community who work in the background so that we can enjoy the thrill of motorsport.”
BMMC National Chair Nadine Lewis added: “We’re delighted to welcome Alex to the ranks of our BMMC Club Ambassadors and are delighted following his recent visit to attend training at Brands Hatch that he has seen first-hand the dedication and commitment our volunteer members provide to motorsport.”
Motorsport UK Race Committee meeting was the next day (virtually) – discussions included:
Light installations at venues – I expect these to be used as currently where they already exist and specific instructions provided on the day for certain events / championships.
Driving standards being reviewed by a separate committee to discuss further training for clerks, officials and competitors
Additional welfare guidelines proposals including recommending safety glasses, hard hats and ear protection for marshals
My first Motorsport UK Council meeting was a week later and was informative and engaging with presentations and plans as an improved advisory capacity to the Board there will be some interesting interactions to take place!
Marshals Advisory Group have also put the finishing touches on the proposed Marshals Pathway which will launch for consultation next week. We have tried to think of all the questions you may have (but may have missed something!). I will say that everything you have gained in experience and training will not be taken away and newcomers to our sport should find the process easier to understand! But we are looking forward to the views from the community so that we can launch in earnest ahead of registrations opening in August.
I am delighted that Alex Brundle has agreed to become one of our club ambassadors after spending the day training at Brands Hatch.
As my season starts in earnest this weekend and the weather is taking a decidedly wintery turn – now is a good time to note the new increase to our wet weather subsidy that was introduced at the beginning of March. Further details on the £30 amount can be found in the regalia section under hi-vis clothing (https://www.marshals.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sponsored-Clothing-2022-v5.pdf)
And finally if you are thinking of marshalling abroad this year now that most COVID restrictions are lifted and travel is back on the cards don’t forget our overseas insurance available at an annual rate of £20 in addition to your membership rate (https://www.marshals.co.uk/marshalling/repatriation-insurance/)
Off to make my lunch for tomorrow – can’t wait! Stay safe everyone.
We’re delighted to share the news that Lille Racewear is under new management and can assure BMMC members of their ongoing commitment to support our members with Proban overalls.
Former owner Anthony Bianco has been retained as a consultant to the business and new owner Alan Corfield is himself a racer and member of 750 Motor Club where he competes in the Gaz Shocks 116 Trophy.
Alan has already stressed he is acutely aware of the vital role marshals play in his hobby which allows him to race at circuits around the country and that he wants to assure BMMC members it is business as usual for Lille Racewear.
We will be working with Alan and his team as they adjust to the new ownership and will update all relevant links to allow orders to continue to be processed as normal.
If you have any questions please direct these to Alan Corfield and Team
Lille Racewear Unit 5, The Old Smithfield Aston Street Shifnal TF11 8DT
I have attended a few more training sessions this month at Oulton Park and Brands Hatch plus a few online sessions with the South Mids region. I was also delighted to be able to present the Barrie Williams award (https://www.marshals.co.uk/national-trophies/unipart-trophy/) to Margaret Simpson. Whilst at Brands Hatch the Norrie Bergin Trophy was awarded to David Dray and the BARC awarded their Marshal of the Year award to Robert Foote – both fitting and emotional tributes.
Alex Brundle started a Tweet back in November asking if marshals should be paid. (https://twitter.com/alexbrundle/status/1462808395711500291?s=21). I suggested he did a Taster Day and he agreed! He spent a full day at Brands Hatch on Sunday with a group of new marshals and brought some great insight as well as being humble and approachable. Hopefully we can get some more drivers along….?
This month is going to be a busy one as most Motorsport UK Committees have their first meetings of the year…Race Committee, Council and Volunteer Officials Committees for me. Marshals Advisory Group has already met twice and we have another meeting lined up this month as we work hard to put together the first draft of the new Marshals Pathway to replace the current grading schemes across all disciplines. We intend to go out to consultation by the end of March and will canvas as many opinions as possible – so watch this space! This is your opportunity to feedback your thoughts.
The introduction of lights at certain FIA International Grade 3 and above venues has been announced by Motorsport UK and the British Motor Sports Training Trust (BMSTT) (https://www.motorsportuk.org/news/motorsport-uk-forms-a-major-circuit-safety-programme-with-the-uk-circuit-owners-and-the-bmstt/). I have requested further clarity on its implementation to enable clear communication and involvement of all relevant parties as this is rolled out. Training, regulations and communications to clerks, marshals and competitors is all a necessary part of the process and requires involvement of the circuits and championships that are implementing different systems to ensure a collective approach and message. Hopefully I will be able to provide further updates and clarification soon.
Our first BMMC Council meeting takes place this week as we look to the future of the club and our members. If you wish to get involved the regional committees are always looking for assistance in a variety of roles and positions as well as potentially some National vacancy opportunities arising in the future.
I am going to sort my kit out over the coming weeks to make sure everything still fits and check if I need anything replacing so I am ready for the start of the season. Maybe add a few more stickers to my kit box and a few badges to my hat too!
And thankfully most meetings are still taking place remotely as my hybrid car decided it didn’t want to go on the M1 from Brands Hatch on Sunday and we had to be recovered home to Cheshire instead – fingers crossed it’s under warranty when the garage can eventually fit me in!
Nominated by the North West region, Margaret Simpson has given continual, tireless work in the organisational side of running motorsport events in the North West in her role as Chief Marshal; a mammoth task had been made even more difficult due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Margaret is always a fantastic presence at race meetings and makes the effort to visit marshals out on circuit to ensure everybody is happy and check on their welfare.
Always putting the wellbeing of marshals first at every event she is Chief Marshal for, and always ‘fighting the marshals’ corner’, Margaret often goes out of her way to support marshals, whether that be hearing grievances and escalating them appropriately, or thanking marshals for their efforts at events.
Commenting after presenting Margaret with her award BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis said: “”Margaret’s nomination was put forward by the NW region but her contribution has been recognised by the whole club. Her support for the marshals has been unstinting in ensuring their needs have been catered for as we have worked through the pandemic.
” I am delighted to have been able to make this presentation at the NW training event and honoured to have presented it to such a worthy winner and a dear friend.”
The Mini 7 Racing Club has made a generous donation of £1500 to the British Motorsport Marshals Club (BMMC) at its recent annual awards evening.
Since the first Formula Mini Se7en race at Brands Hatch in 1966, the Mini 7 Racing Club has remained a favourite for drivers, race commentators, spectators and marshals alike.
The cars offer excellent value for money, with plenty of overtaking opportunities and a turn of speed that can surprise and often outpace many modern alternatives.
The latest in a series of generous donations to the club was collected on behalf of the BMMC by National Chair Nadine Lewis.
Speaking after the event Nadine said: “It really is humbling to hear the high regard in which our members are held by the wider motorsport community as I travel around the country representing the club.
“It is also very humbling to receive such generous donations such as this one for £1500 from Mini 7 Racing Club for which we are all extremely grateful.”
