Marshalling in the US of A?

[TrueBlueFlyer]

I'm cutting my trip to New Zealand short, and for the first time will have an opportunity to marshal back home in the States.

Firstly, I had forgotten that SCCA charges $30/year membership fee to become a marshal. Does the license we get sort of entitle us to enter racing as a competitor as well? Or are the membership fees higher for that privilege?

Second, once I pay I want to make sure I get the correct license. And to me it seems "national" level is the one I'm after. The FAQ on SCCA page states this would be determined at your local track, but as I live in the NYC metropolitan area there's no real home track and a few really good ones that are quite a drive away. I would imagine that events at Lime Rock, Watkins Glen and possibly New Jersey Motorsports Park would be all considered my local tracks. Even Summit Point might make the list. So is it reasonable to make requests or does everyone start at the bottom and work their way up eventually?

I'm sure I'll have more questions in the future, so will keep this thread going.

thanks,
--Russ

[racerkeke]

The $30 fee you refer to is for a temporary license, which allows a worker from another country with proper credentials from that country to participate in a SCCA sanctioned event. It is by default a regional F&C license.

If you want to work your way up to a national license you need to choose a region and begin working races in that region, with a real regional license (at a cost of more than $30). The next license step is divisional, which allows you to work races in other regions in your own division (yours would be NE). Eventually you might be considered for a national license. Many workers don't bother with a national, but organizers can use license grade as a method of limiting applications for pro events they believe will be oversubscribed -- USGP at Austin, for instance.

keke

[TrueBlueFlyer]

that's interesting

[TrueBlueFlyer]

so the regular SCCA license is $80 a year... that's a bit of a kick in the pants for "volunteering"

[mjpiotr]

Originally Posted by TrueBlueFlyer

so the regular SCCA license is $80 a year... that's a bit of a kick in the pants for "volunteering"

But there is also New Club Racing Volunteer Program: 1st weekend working free then can join for $30.00 for 3 years if you work 4 or more days. Actually, I have heard about it on the training day, and most of the marshals there had no idea such a thing exists. If I knew earlier I would go for it...

[Coach Ep]

Originally Posted by mjpiotr

But there is also New Club Racing Volunteer Program: 1st weekend working free then can join for $30.00 for 3 years if you work 4 or more days. Actually, I have heard about it on the training day, and most of the marshals there had no idea such a thing exists. If I knew earlier I would go for it...

$30,00 each year I believe and it is aimed at to encourage working club events (hence the name of the incentive). Not sure if that's the kind of event that Trueblueflyer is particularly interested in but sure sounds like worth giving it a try!

[racerkeke]

Originally Posted by TrueBlueFlyer

so the regular SCCA license is $80 a year... that's a bit of a kick in the pants for "volunteering"

Some regions give out "worker bucks" for participation in club events, which then can be redeemed to cover part or all of the following year's license. Also, this ensures you are covered by SCCA medical insurance if injured at the track -- not something to be sneezed at, given the rustic nature of many tracks and the cost of medical care in the US. Remember, travel insurance does not cover participation in racing.
keke