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Just wondering if any Pf1ers have any marshaling experience? I've signed up for a "taster day" later in the year.

I think there was someone that had experience, but that was long ago. Can't remember which poster either. Badgeronimus has experience in racing, so there's that!

But definitely you need to let us know, share some pics and your thoughts of the experience please

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed May 05, 2021 9:49 am

Just wondering if any Pf1ers have any marshaling experience? I've signed up for a "taster day" later in the year.

Have done this at a couple of different races - if presented with a choice take up the option to work in the hospitality zones or the paddock, as that's where you're likely to see the drivers the most. Even if you're out somewhere on the track you will likely get a chance to enter the pitlane at the end of the day, but most drivers are usually gone by then.

A.J. wrote: ↑

Wed May 05, 2021 11:24 am

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed May 05, 2021 9:49 am

Just wondering if any Pf1ers have any marshaling experience? I've signed up for a "taster day" later in the year.

Have done this at a couple of different races - if presented with a choice take up the option to work in the hospitality zones or the paddock, as that's where you're likely to see the drivers the most. Even if you're out somewhere on the track you will likely get a chance to enter the pitlane at the end of the day, but most drivers are usually gone by then.

Thanks, not bothered about meeting drivers tbh, just keen to see how the events are organised and be involved. What events were you working at?

Well I did my first day, at Silverstone. Really enjoyed it. It was a taster day to give you an overview of what they do and how they operate. Got time with race control, scrutineering, stewards, flags, recovery, medics. Afternoon you got to choose where you did and I worked on Assembly where cars are brought through from the paddock to "assemble" before going on to the grid. Was intense! Racing were Caterhams (100 of them!) Prototypes (Radicals, LMP2) , Mazda MX5 and later in the day a 24 hour race of Citroen C1's.

You're pretty much thrown straight in there. Overall I would definitely recommend it if you want to get close to the sport you love but don't have the ££ to race.

Thanks Dolo, this sounds amazing. Almost unbelievable, I mean who would race C1's for 24 hours???

Did you get a chance to act as a marshal? Or just spent time with them? It sounds good to see what the unseen heroes of motor-racing are doing behind the scenes.

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:03 am

Thanks Dolo, this sounds amazing. Almost unbelievable, I mean who would race C1's for 24 hours???

Did you get a chance to act as a marshal? Or just spent time with them? It sounds good to see what the unseen heroes of motor-racing are doing behind the scenes.

I didn't stick around long enough to see the start of of the C1 race but it must have been manic - it was a 100 car grid!

You're hands-on from the afternoon. So as the cars came through from the paddock, they are held in the assembly area in as close to grid position as possible. So your job is to ensure they line up in the right place and are informed of any information such as shortened race distances, changed start times etc. Sir Chris Hoy was there is his Radical and a couple of LMP3 Prototypes.

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:16 am

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 7:03 am

Thanks Dolo, this sounds amazing. Almost unbelievable, I mean who would race C1's for 24 hours???

Did you get a chance to act as a marshal? Or just spent time with them? It sounds good to see what the unseen heroes of motor-racing are doing behind the scenes.

I didn't stick around long enough to see the start of of the C1 race but it must have been manic - it was a 100 car grid!

You're hands-on from the afternoon. So as the cars came through from the paddock, they are held in the assembly area in as close to grid position as possible. So your job is to ensure they line up in the right place and are informed of any information such as shortened race distances, changed start times etc. Sir Chris Hoy was there is his Radical and a couple of LMP3 Prototypes.

100 car grid??? Sounds more like bumper cars!

Must have been cool to see/hear the prototypes from that close. Happy to hear that you enjoyed it!

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:27 am

100 car grid??? Sounds more like bumper cars!

Marshall said "I'm expecting at least 3 rollovers and there won't be a straight panel on any of them by the time the flag falls"

How did you get involved in this?
Is there a sign up procedure?
Is there any associated costs involved?

I would absolutely love to do this. I live in warrington. So I guess I'm around 20 minutes from oulton park. And 2 hours from donington and Silverstone.
I would love to explore this. Any advice would be fantastic.

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:51 am

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:27 am

100 car grid??? Sounds more like bumper cars!

Marshall said "I'm expecting at least 3 rollovers and there won't be a straight panel on any of them by the time the flag falls"

I guess that's why they are cheap C1's and not 100 Maseratis!

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:27 am

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:51 am

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:27 am

100 car grid??? Sounds more like bumper cars!

Marshall said "I'm expecting at least 3 rollovers and there won't be a straight panel on any of them by the time the flag falls"

I guess that's why they are cheap C1's and not 100 Maseratis!

Well on that note, it was interesting to note close up just how many of the cars are damaged. From the spectator areas the cars all look nice and shiny, but up close they are all carrying the signs of on-track action. I don't think I saw a single Caterham exhaust that wasn't bashed in! And a lot of tape!

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 01, 2021 11:33 pm

Well I did my first day, at Silverstone. Really enjoyed it. It was a taster day to give you an overview of what they do and how they operate. Got time with race control, scrutineering, stewards, flags, recovery, medics. Afternoon you got to choose where you did and I worked on Assembly where cars are brought through from the paddock to "assemble" before going on to the grid. Was intense! Racing were Caterhams (100 of them!) Prototypes (Radicals, LMP2) , Mazda MX5 and later in the day a 24 hour race of Citroen C1's.

You're pretty much thrown straight in there. Overall I would definitely recommend it if you want to get close to the sport you love but don't have the ££ to race.

The C1's are popular because they are cheap - I know a few guys who race in the Scottish series and it is probably (currently) the cheapest way into car racing - although the short wheel base and relatively high body does see them roll a lot. A lot of pretty good drivers are doing them and the Mini's now simply because they are fun and cheap - a lot think because it is pretty sh1t level motorsport the guys running at the front are sh1t level drivers. I was at a track day on Saturday getting some cheap testing and there was a fair few C1's running at it, presumably doing the same.

I know there are a few 24hr C1 races, but they always run them on premium tracks (Spa, Silverstone, etc), so those races are still pretty expensive to enter. I was asked if I was interested in doing the Spa event 3 years ago (although you can use Toyota Aygo's and Peugeot 107's too in that one anyway - but same cars different badges) and the cost to be one of 3 driver team was working out at about £3500 - then travel and logistics. The idea never got off the ground.

Well done in doing the marshalling though. Absolutely an under appreciated role and I agree completely - it is a great way in getting a proper insight into racing and understanding it in a way just watching it, or attending events cannot possibly give. You'll learn a lot about how motorsport really is.

Certainly down at Silverstone, you'll be around plenty of people who will know the inside track on people you've heard of, as well as guys who have been around it for years and really know their stuff. Just being around the paddock and the event is great.

If you are still doing it you might see me down there next year with Time Attack or 750MC. I like Silverstone although been a while since I was there.

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:49 am

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:27 am

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:51 am

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:27 am

100 car grid??? Sounds more like bumper cars!

Marshall said "I'm expecting at least 3 rollovers and there won't be a straight panel on any of them by the time the flag falls"

I guess that's why they are cheap C1's and not 100 Maseratis!

Well on that note, it was interesting to note close up just how many of the cars are damaged. From the spectator areas the cars all look nice and shiny, but up close they are all carrying the signs of on-track action. I don't think I saw a single Caterham exhaust that wasn't bashed in! And a lot of tape!

Holds the universe together!!!

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:49 am

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 9:27 am

DOLOMITE wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:51 am

Siao7 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 8:27 am

100 car grid??? Sounds more like bumper cars!

Marshall said "I'm expecting at least 3 rollovers and there won't be a straight panel on any of them by the time the flag falls"

I guess that's why they are cheap C1's and not 100 Maseratis!

Well on that note, it was interesting to note close up just how many of the cars are damaged. From the spectator areas the cars all look nice and shiny, but up close they are all carrying the signs of on-track action. I don't think I saw a single Caterham exhaust that wasn't bashed in! And a lot of tape!

Haha.

Up close you'll realise most of these cars body panels are held together with tape and tie wraps! I've been asked a few times about it by folk - but the answer why many do such a "shoddy" repair is - it does less damage when they get ripped off. A trip through the gravel with tie wraps might simply mean you're bumpers hanging off - rather than hanging off and the bolts holding it on having pulled the metal mounting frames with it!

You'll also see exactly how flimsy the body work is on the cars too. All the structural stuff is just weight that is often not needed.

Cosmetically I gave up caring after my first season doing it - it was futile. Karcher, detergent and a sponge is about the extent of the appearance effort.

Badgeronimous wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 02, 2021 10:01 am

The C1's are popular because they are cheap - I know a few guys who race in the Scottish series and it is probably (currently) the cheapest way into car racing - although the short wheel base and relatively high body does see them roll a lot. A lot of pretty good drivers are doing them and the Mini's now simply because they are fun and cheap - a lot think because it is pretty sh1t level motorsport the guys running at the front are sh1t level drivers. I was at a track day on Saturday getting some cheap testing and there was a fair few C1's running at it, presumably doing the same.

I remember attending a "June Sprints" race at Road America in the mid-late 70s, and the lowest class race included the ... Renault LeCars (you know, the cars with only 3 lug nuts per wheel...). They (the two of them - from the same team) were - of course - terribly outclassed even in the least capable class. The first lap at turn 5 they were well behind. Each successive lap they were the clearly the back markers, but they were very close to each other in pace. The crowd at the grandstand cheered on those two drivers because they were actually having a real race - to avoid last place.

Horrible equipment, but a decent competition. ;-0

I spent about 15 years as a nationally licensed Flagging and Communications worker. I worked mostly club races but also a number of IMSA and Motorcycle road races. It can be a lot of fun you get to see some great racing.

Eventually I found that I was getting burned out by spending a dozen or more weekends a year out in the hot sun. The dehydration from drinking in the evenings wasn't helping either.

I did know and work with a bunch of folks who worked bot Indycar and Formula 1 races but I never did either.

Brands Hatch this weekend for Britcar "Race Into The Night". Anyone going?

Mini's, C1's, Ginettas & Britcar.

I was at Snetterton this weekend. I was due to do the Saturday, but then found my mother-in-law was coming to stay so added the Sunday. Now the big ticket events (BTCC,GT etc) don't necessarily mean the best days as a Marshall, but Sunday was a stretch - afternoon was a 5 hour Citroen C1 race!