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.”
April already upon us
I can’t quite believe we are heading into April already – where did those first three months of the year go? I think I may have been a bit busy!
National Council meeting at the start of the month was great to virtually catch up with everyone and we had some great discussions and actions planned – you can see a summary here (https://www.marshals.co.uk/marshalling/national-council-minutes/)
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
01952 977410
07513 718467
info@lilleracewear.com
www.lilleracewear.com
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.”
I finished January with a trip to Snetterton to take part in their training day. It was a great feeling to be back face-to-face after a couple of years away and despite COVID still being amongst us everyone was sensible and took lateral flow tests beforehand. The sessions were run in well ventilated garages and thankfully the sun was out and the winds hadn’t made it that far south! Thanks to those involved.
Further dates are coming up with Oulton Park the first weekend in February and Brands Hatch later this month – both also taking precautions to enable participants to feel as safe as possible. I know Donington and BRMC training was last weekend too and Cadwell / South Mids are later this month – maybe a Zoom session will be in order as well.
Thanks to everyone for all the continued hard work that you are putting in – training officers to make these days possible and everyone else for being respectful to others at all times. I have to say now most restrictions are lifted in England I can’t wait to be back motor racing which has felt the safest environment throughout this entire pandemic!
The volunteering database is now live for Race and Speed events particularly – subject to changes no doubt but hopefully fairly stable in comparison to the latest few years. But my word it is going to be a busy one – more days than ever as clubs try to make some money after the last few years losses. So pace yourselves!
Please also don’t feel obliged to attend a meeting because you don’t want to let your colleagues down. If you are unable to be there then please let the Chief marshals know as soon as possible so that they can redeploy those available. And only take on duties you are comfortable with – don’t feel embarrassed to say you haven’t had the training / don’t feel able to take on responsibilities etc. I know you all want to help but safety and comfort are the order of the day – stretch your comfort zone of course but do not step outside completely if you do not feel able to or are insufficiently supported.
Membership renewals are being processed as Dave works through the long list of Direct Debits – packs will be sent in due course as he works through the list. If you don’t have a direct debit set up and haven’t yet renewed please use the online link (https://www.marshals.co.uk/membership/renewal/). To be in with a chance of winning the annual prize you have until the end of March to complete your payment.
There is some communication from Motorsport UK to some individuals about the need for a DBS check. This is being rolled out and I am receiving many comments and questions. I have asked for clarification and guidance from Motorsport UK – some FAQ can be found here https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Safeguarding-DBS-PVG-Check-Questions-and-Answers.pdf. But please contact them directly if you need to safeguarding@motorsportuk.org
I hope the training sessions refresh your memories and for those who have been away a welcome return. Take care and stay safe!
Nadine Lewis
BMMC National Chair
I hope you have all been able to enjoy a Happy Christmas with family and friends and are well rested and renewed for the year ahead.
I spent Christmas at home with family and Ian and I enjoyed a few days away in a cosy cottage in the village of Eyam for New Year. A historic location associated with the plague of 1666 – many stories of great sacrifice and fortitude in the face of an unknown enemy. Tales of death and burial but a village self-isolating to protect the wider community. More than half the village died but many survived as a consequence of their actions and thoughts of others. Sounds familiar?
With COVID looking like a virus we are going to have to learn to live with – we all need to continue to take precautions and look out for others. Please note that BMMC face masks have a limited number of washes but there are plenty in stock for replacing if required!
Sadly events are still likely to be effected for some time to come – the cancellations of Autosport International in January and Race Retro in February are already announced.
The events list for 2022 is being worked on and the Regional Volunteering Coordinators will be updating the database in due course so please be patient as dates are added for fixed venue locations. The BRMC continues to maintain the calendar for rally events and again some already postponed events are now being cancelled or postponed again – so please keep an eye on their Facebook page for latest updates too (https://www.facebook.com/groups/britishrallymarshalsclub/). Please note – if you volunteer direct with the organising club please select “for insurance purposes only” on the BMMC volunteering database to avoid duplicating your application. And if you do need to cancel your attendance, please also inform the Chief marshal directly if within two weeks of the event.
For those of you who pay for club membership via Direct debit this will be taken from your account on 6 January – so please ensure you have sufficient funds available. If you do not have a direct debit set up please ensure you renew online via the membership pages (https://www.marshals.co.uk/membership/renewal/) so that you are entered in the annual draw and maintain access to club benefits.
I do hope to be able to come to some of the regional training days to say hello to a few of you in person and I cautiously welcome back the ability to run face to face sessions. These are for your benefit to keep your skills maintained so please do support where you are able. Zoom sessions may also be still available in some areas if you are not yet ready to join a roomful of people!
Thankfully the village of Eyam is more welcoming to visitors and cash and credit cards are accepted now rather than vinegar soaked coins! A refreshing break with some lovely walks and of course good food, drink and company – what better way to start a new year. Diet starts next week along with going back to work – although that is still home based for the foreseeable future.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy 2022.
The 2021 annual Formula Junior Historic Racing Association (FJHRA) charity auction has raised £2000 to be shared between the British Motorsports Marshals’ Club (BMMC) and Air Ambulance UK this year.
It is the second such kind donation BMMC has received in as many weeks in the run up to the festive period and has helped bring a positive end to another challenging year dealing with the additional measures put in place to address the pandemic.
BMMC National Chair Nadine Lewis thanked FJHRA for their generosity and said: “It is always very humbling to hear what high esteem the clubs and their members have for our marshals and the great job they do.
“It is wonderful to hear their contribution and dedication praised and rewarded both in kind words and deeds such as this, we are very grateful to FJHRA for their valuable donation.”
FJHRA Chairman, Duncan Rabagliati said: “ Formula Junior is a family : our Marshal’s are a fundamental part of it and without the generosity of Marshals giving up their time to keep us safe trackside and in their various fundamental roles in a race weekend, none of us would be able to enjoy our passion of racing, and this is just a small gesture of our gratitude!”
British Sim racing group BSR has donated £570 to the British Motorsports Marshals’ Club (BMMC) after hosting a 3-hour SIM race at a virtual (?) Brands Hatch on Iracing on Monday 6th December.
With over 40 cars on the grid on the night, the generous donation from BSR will be ring-fenced for marshal recruitment activity and training.
BMMC National Chair Nadine Lewis welcomed the very kind and generous donation and said: “We were delighted that BSR wanted to raise funds for the club and extremely grateful to them for this very generous donation which will help with our recruitment and training plans in the coming year.”
BSR Administrator Michael Seale added: “We wanted to do something to recognise the terrific work done by marshals all over the UK and to say thank you for what they do to support motorsport. I’m sure this donation will be put to good use recruiting and training even more marshals for the future.”
The British Motorsports Marshals’ Club (BMMC) is delighted to announce it has secured a new sponsorship deal with Clapham North MOT that will further boost the BMMC members’ subsidy for PROBAN overalls.
The new deal comes into effect for the 2022 season and will ensure BMMC members ordering ready-made overalls will continue to receive a 100% subsidy, while those ordering made to measure will receive an equivalent grant of £102 thanks to the support of Clapham North MOT alongside existing sponsors.
Commenting on the new deal BMMC Chair Nadine Lewis said: “We’re delighted to welcome Clapham North MOT as our latest sponsor and look forward to their support next year together with all of our partners.
“It has always been the aim of the Club to be able to provide members with a 100% subsidy and the continued support of existing sponsors and the addition of this new agreement with Clapham North MOT allows us to retain this level of funding.”
Driver and Clapham North MOT owner George Grant added: “We’re delighted that Clapham North MOT and our partners at Downforce Radio are able to provide this additional support to BMMC marshals and we look forward to a positive and mutually beneficial partnership with the BMMC and its members.
“This new agreement is a great opportunity for Clapham North MOT to cement our commitment to supporting the men and women who work tirelessly week in, week out and in all weathers to help us all enjoy our racing safely.”
Hugh Chambers, CEO of Motorsport UK, attended a taster day at Silverstone in October and his write up was in the latest Revolution. Well done to Chris Whitlock (SM Chair) for organising the day for him – although the weather probably could have been better – it meant that Mr Chambers had a full experience of what it’s like to be on the bank all day! He certainly made a point of mentioning it to me when I visited Bicester HQ and has a new found understanding and appreciation of our role.
Taster days are a great way of showing newbies the ropes but certainly isn’t the only route to start marshalling. We are encouraging interested individuals to get started as soon as possible if they wish. Those who need more information are invited to taster days at the earliest opportunity. Please make everyone feel welcome and show them the ropes. We have seen our membership decrease due to the pandemic so let’s hope we are coming out the other side and can boost our numbers again!
Mention of drivers doing a day on the bank was also made in Hugh’s article. And this was echoed in another article in Revolution about Skills for Success for which I was asked to contribute. I think it is a great way to gain understanding of an event and organisation – we probably get involved in more aspects than anyone else at an event. Hopefully this will be something we see more of in the future – I certainly will continue to encourage this!
Our membership renewals are now open – direct debits will be taken in January as usual. Please take this opportunity to log on via the volunteering system to check your details and in particular your next of kin information in line with Motorsport UK requirements.
Having totted up my volunteering days this year at 41 I hadn’t realised I had been so busy. Multiple event days at various locations soon add up! Donington, Oulton, Anglesey, Snetterton, Silverstone, Cadwell and Goodwood have all featured. Next year I hope that I will be able to visit a few different places – but I do need to fit in a twice postponed holiday at some point (COVID permitting!!)
I do have a day job which I sometimes wonder how I fit in but it does enable me to finance my weekends away with a decent meal or two along the way! Having worked from home for the last 18 months it was novel for me to go in the office for a day the other week. Seeing familiar faces in person rather than through a screen and also meeting some new employees in person was great. I might even get the chance to take my team out for a meal next month – oh dear more food!
The rest of my year will be taken up with AGMs and committee meetings. If you do want to get involved remember your regional committees are always looking for volunteers.
I know many of you have plenty more events to go so take care out there.