HAPPY NEW YEAR! – January 2026 Club news

Chair’s Chat 
As we enter 2026 the club needs your support!

As many will be aware the Club has had difficulties at the start of 2025 trying to find a suitable volunteer to take on the role of National Chair.  I was asked to resume the role on a strictly “pro-tem” basis until a replacement could be found. In order to make this more probable National Council has agreed that the role of Vice-Chair is to be introduced, to take on some of the responsibilities and review the Club’s practices to help overcome these sorts of situations.  In order for this to happen, the Club’s rules and Articles of Association need to be amended.  

The Directors of the club have the power to change the rules, and, after discussions at two Directors’ meetings the changes we agreed and are now published on the web site.  BUT.  The articles of Association also need corresponding changes and these need to be ratified by you, the members.  The Directors have agreed these changes and they are now on the website for you to review and, hopefully, to agree.  Without the agreement pf the members, the Club cannot move forward with the search for a new Chairman, so please read the marked-up version on the website and let us have your views.  

The changes will be put to the vote at an EGM held via Zoom on January 18^th – It is hoped the Club can rely upon your support.

Assuming the changes are ratified, the election process for the new Chair and Vice-chair can commence.  In parallel, volunteers are required to take on other National Roles.  IT Co-ordinator, Media and Publicity Co-ordinator and Bookkeeper are three key roles in the running of the club. Job specifications are on the website – please have a look and, if you think you can help, please contact either Ian Ashcroft, the club secretary, or me, Chris Hobson, so we can answer any questions you may have.

On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time back in the chair and the interactions with the other clubs and MSUK.  The club continues to grow and thrive, our members are present at virtually all disciplines of motorsport, at all levels.  It doesn’t matter the type of motorsport, the organisers or the venue, I always enjoy seeing our BMMC logo’d orange overalls wherever I go, and am extremely proud of the way you go about your duties – as credits to the club.

I hope everyone has a great New Year and a very enjoyable, safe and varied year of motorsport in 2026.

Secretary’s Noggin
Hope everyone had a joyous Christmas, not too many mince pies and a (relatively) sober New Year. Time now to look forward to the upcoming race season. For those marshals wanting or thinking of upgrading in 2026, please watch the BMMC website and social media for training day dates in your Region. Also, remember you will also need to attend a training day to maintain your grade once every 2 years. Spaces will be limited at training days, so please apply early and only apply if you need too. 

A big thank you to all of the Club members how spared their time to attend the annual AGM on the 7^th December, either via TEAMS or in person. The main meeting was relatively short but the discussions during AOB were informative with good interaction with the members. Date for your diaries in 2026 is the AGM on Sunday 6^th December 2026 again at Motorsport UK at Bicester.

The revised BMMC Volunteering shall be going live in early January following the recent update and final testing by National and Regional Volunteering Coordinators and event organisers finalising and confirming dates.

For those of you who attend Le Mans each June, the famous Dunlop Bridge will not be seen again. The Dunlop brand has been sold by Goodyear to the Japanese Company Sumitomo. From 2026 onwards the bridge shall be rebranded as the Goodyear Bridge (and presumably the Dunlop Chicane shall become the Goodyear Chicane. The “Dunlop Bridge” first appeared in 1923 and was situated at the end of the pit straight. It was moved to its current position as part of major rebuild following the 1955 terrible accident. Over the years the bridge has become progressively wider as the track has expanded and the surrounding gravel traps needed to be accommodated.



Treasurer’s Report
As 2025 draws to an end I am pleased to say that the club’s finances remain in a healthy state thanks in part to the generosity of sponsors and donations from various organisations.
At a recent Council meeting it was agreed that the membership renewal fee will remain at £20 for 2026. Thank you to all those members who renew by Direct Debit and if you wish to wish to do so for 2026 and beyond, please get in touch.
Membership renewal is a hectic time for Mike Mulder and Colin Barnes so please bear with them if you have any questions about your membership.
As mentioned previously, Colin, the club’s bookkeeper has decided that it is time for him to stand down and so the search continues for someone to step into his bookkeeping shoes. The club’s finances would be in a poorer state without the attention to detail and the diplomatic skills demonstrated by Colin. My heartfelt thanks to him for his patience in helping me through various issues and procedures in my 1^st year of office. If you feel that the role of bookkeeper is one that would fit your skill set then please get in touch with me.
May I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. If the New Year does prove to be prosperous for you then the club is always open to donations!

Draw Winners 

 
Training
The following Marshal Training Days have been confirmed.

1. Saturday 17^th January 2026 – Thruxton – Novice/ Registered Marshals (less than 5 days attended).
2. Sunday 18^th January 2026 – Thruxton – Speed Training (All Grades)
3. Sunday 1^st February 2026 – Pembrey – All Grades
4. Saturday 7^th February 2026 – Lydden Hill – Novice/ Registered Marshals.
5. Saturday 7^th February 2026 – Oulton Park – Grades to be advised.
6. Sunday 8^th February 2026 – Lydden Hill – Grade 1,2 and 3 Marshals. 
7. Sunday 8^th February 2026 – Oulton Park – Grades to be advised. 
8. Saturday 14^th February 2026 – Croft – Novice/ Registered and Grade 1 Marshals
9. Sunday 15^th February 2026 – Croft – Grade 2 and 3 Marshals and Off Track (All Grades).
10. Saturday 21^st February 2026 – Thruxton – Registered (more than 5 days) and Grade 1 Marshals.
11. Sunday 22^nd February 2026 – Thruxton – Grade 2 and 3 Marshals and Off Track (All Grades).
12. Sunday 22^nd February 2026 – Castle Combe – All Grades inc Fire Theory and Practical. Schedule to be confirmed.
13. Sunday 8^th March 2026 – Harewood – Speed Training (All Grades)

Marshals’ Trackdays 
Once again MSVT shall be providing a limited number of free trackday spaces for marshals on nominated days and circuits January 2026.
 These ‘own car’ free trackday spaces are available for booking now. If marshals have any questions please email trackdays@msv.com
 Dates and venues are as below: 

1. Brands Hatch on Monday 19^th January 2026
2. Donington Park on Monday 19^th January 2026
3. Bedford Autodrome on Saturday 24^th January 2026
4. Snetterton on Wednesday 28^th January 2026
5. Oulton Park on Wednesday 28^th January 2026
6. Cadwell Park on Saturday 31^st January2026

 The free spaces are only on the dates above and limited to 10 per event on a first come first served basis. One trackday per marshal is free, with Passengers (£10) and helmets (£15) to be added and charged on the day. Garages (£40) and Additional drivers (£30) can also be added by phone, quoting the booking ref, after the trackday booking has been confirmed. 
The space cannot be transferred or cancelled once booked and the space will be lost if unable to attend either in advance or on the day.
To book, marshals must email in with all the info bellow to trackdays@msv.com. The trackday spaces cannot be booked by phone or online.

• Preferred circuit and date
• First and last name
• Car make and model
• Postal adds including postcode
• Telephone number

Each marshal shall also need to include their marshal ID. This ID must then be shown during sign-on at the trackday (along with their suitable driving licence) or full payment will be required.

• Circuit marshal’s (without a marshal ID), will need to tell us which MSV circuit they work for and we will verify in advance of the track day.

 Spaces will be booked on a ‘first received’ basis as long as all the info requested is included. Once booked an email receipt will be sent directly to the marshal confirming the booking is successful, which will include a booking reference number.
 Usual track day rules, noise limits and requirements apply: https://car.msvtrackdays.com/FAQ/Booked?utm_medium=menu

Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)
All BMMC members should have received an email informing of the calling of an EGM via ZOOM on Sunday 18^thJanuary 2026 at 10.30 to vote upon the proposed changes to the Club’s Articles of Association. 
The Articles of Association have been amended to reflect the changes to the Club Rules to allow for the election of a Vice Chair to assist the Chair in the running of the Club on your behalf. The Rule Changes have gone through discussions at 2 Council meetings and have been voted on and passed by all Club Directors. However, the revised Club Rules can’t be acted upon until the Club Membership have reviewed and either approve or reject the new Articles of Association.
If you would like to attend, please advise the National Secretary via email on nat.secretary@marshals.co.uk by the 10th January latest and links to meeting shall be issued.

An Evening with Motorsport UK 
Motorsport UK is inviting all members to join online on the evening of Wednesday, 28 January for a live broadcast with David Richards, Chairman and Hugh Chambers, CEO.
David and Hugh will be looking back at key highlights from this year and, more importantly, looking ahead to the next five years and walking through “Vision 2030”, the new strategy to get more people enjoying motorsport, more often.
Everyone is invited to register and submit questions in advance here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/motorsportuk1/poweringthefutureofmotorsportlivejanuary2026

Regional News
North West 
The last few months of the season were a busy one for the region. Many of our members attended the Race of Remembrance and spoke of what a wonderful weekend it was. The North West Region AGM was held in October which saw Duncan Fitz-Gibbons, Paul Newns and Ian Briggs were appointed to the committee. We were also lucky to be joined by Paul O’Neill our club ambassador.
 In the year since the 2024 AGM the NW region has processed 45 upgrades: 
On Track

• 21 Accredited marshals became Grade 1
• 8 Grade 1 marshals became Grade 2 Incident
• 9 Grade 1 marshals became Grade 2 Flag
• 2 Grade 2 marshals became Grade 3 Post Chief
• 1 Post Chief became an assessor

Off Track

• 2 Accredited marshals gained Grade 1
• 3 Grade 1 marshals became Garde 2
• 2 Grade 2 became Grade 3

Many congratulations to everyone that successfully upgraded this year.
Planning has already begun for next season with confirmation of the North West Region annual training weekend will once again be held at Oulton Park Circuit. It will be on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February 2026. More information on this will be shared with members in the new year. 

As always, a big thank you, to every North West Region member who gave their time this year and looking forward to seeing everyone on the bank in 2026.

South Midlands Region 
It has been a busy end of the year for the South Midlands Region, following out sustainability contribution to support the nature trail at Stowe gardens, a nature pathway linking Stow with Silverstone, an invitation was received to display a Snowman design dressed as a marshal for visitors to see, these are referred to as ‘Stowemen’

An invitation was also received to attend the ‘Time Attack’ Gala dinner, where the South Midlands Chair (Ian Whiting) was honoured to receive a donation from this great organisation for £10410.00 on behalf of the BMMC.

The South Midlands region also arranged a tour of Ecurie Bertelli, the vintage Aston Martin restorers and race preparation, a great evening and privileged to also see the car originally owned by land speed record breaker Sir Malcolm Campbell.

In January Ian Whiting has been invited to talk to Milton Keynes roundtable in relation to the Motorsport Marshalling, will report on how this goes.

Membership 
The membership currently stands at 3280 as of 19.12.25.
New Members 
A very warm welcome to the following new marshals. I hope you have a long and enjoyable marshalling experience and remember everyone is willing to help you along the way. 

Marshal Upgrades
Congratulations and well done to the following marshals who have successfully upgraded:

Upcoming Events 
Hillclimb
The 2026 edition of the Manx Classic Hillclimb has unfortunately had to be cancelled. The event organised by the Longton and District Motor Club is for Classic Cars tacking climbs at Lhergy Frissell, The Sloc and Creg Willeys and was due to take place in April.

Clerk of course, Graham Tilley says that the cost and resources of road closures, safety cover, medical provision, marshalling, insurance and logistics have made the event unsustainable in 2026.
However, plans are being made for the return of the event in 2027.  

Rally

Volunteers Wanted 
Rally

1. The Tore Cars Snowman Rally is the be held on the Saturday 14^th February 2026 and are wanting to recruit marshals for the event. If you are new, they are offering a training day on Saturday 24^th January 2026. If you would like to be involved then sign up via the link below or on their website. www.snowmanrally.co.uk/marshals. 
2. Enthusiastic individuals are required to act as Stage Marshals at the 22026 Guernsey Rally to be held on the 20^th and 21^st February 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity to see rally up close whilst playing an important and vital role in ensuring safety for both spectators and competitors. A professional ability to engage with the public is essential for a successful event. 

If you are interested, please email guernsey@gmail.com by the end of January latest.

1. Club member Jon Cordrey has been asked to run 2 stages, SS2 and SS5 Dyfnant North Stages at the Trailhead Get Jerky Rally North Wales on Saturday 28^th March 2026. If you would like to assist Jon in running these stages, please register via Rally Stage Team at https://www.rallystageteam.co.uk and sign up for Dyfnant North Stage.