Thin Orange Line - 10-Tenths Motorsport Forum

Ian Lewis · 21 Jul 2003, 12:06

I have just received my final instuctions for the Oulton Park race meeting 26th July. I see that just 48 incident marshals have volenteered. From this number 15% will be no-shows, down to 41, four will be on the dodgems (fire trucks)37 now for 12 posts 3ish each. Please make sure you have your weetabix.
On a serious note: why are numbers falling? what can be done to boost the thin orange line?
Anyone on the trackside forum want to help??
Regards,
Ian

andrew_powell98 · 21 Jul 2003, 13:40

Sorry Ian I would love to be there but I have a shortage in the beer stocks so will be having fun in France.
As for the serious note why not get talks in schools espacially the sports colleges about marshalling? it could bring in some new recriuts from the age of 16 upwards

**garcon** · 21 Jul 2003, 14:29

Oulton's fairly local for me and I don't have much on this weekend, so if you're allowed to put a complete and utter novice in an orange suit, I could be persuaded!

PM me...

PaulPerkins · 21 Jul 2003, 14:54

Garcon,

If you do manage to make it, I've got a complete 'Marshals Starter Pack' going spare - Probans, Gloves and even Union Flag sew-on badge. Only used once for the training session. You're welcome to borrow them until you make up your mind whether or not to continue marshalling (which you will, of course!)

Paul.

**garcon** · 21 Jul 2003, 14:58

Cheers Paul!

I'll be in touch...

*garcon wonders what he might be letting himself in for...*

Stuart Hill · 21 Jul 2003, 16:44

Quote:

Originally posted by garcon
Cheers Paul!

I'll be in touch...

*garcon wonders what he might be letting himself in for...*

ooohhhh yippee !!!! another virgin !!

"You will never know the true power of the Orange Side"

andrew_powell98 · 21 Jul 2003, 18:16

well they do say the futures bright the futures orange

Adrian Randle · 21 Jul 2003, 18:21

I can assure you it's becoming a very thin pale shade of orange judging by the numbers at some recent meetings.

Stevespurr · 21 Jul 2003, 21:21

How many are at Donington for the DTM?

darcym · 21 Jul 2003, 21:41

every marshall I have ever met has been a great person and has been a real enthusiast for club racing. I cannot sing the praises of the marshalls enough as they allow me to go racing. So please don't stop going because you are un-appriciated.

The idea of visiting schools in the area - or even inviting college/uni students to participate for fun to get a taste or maybe to use the experience as part of their study (if it is sports related - they can examine cars for mechanical related degrees, examine drivers for fitness and phycological related courses, and be part of motorsport for sports related courses, perhaps even use a season at a track marshalling as a case study watching how the economy effects numbers, how certain drivers mature through out a season, there is lots of scope. I would be happy to do my part as a driver in helping get students interested, be it going to schools, offering myself, my car and the team I race with as "candidates" anything really. If there is any plans for this, I'd be happy to participate anything that gets you guys new recruits.

darcym · 21 Jul 2003, 21:42

I should also point out that if someone wants to work with me (who is a marshall) I would be very happy to spend some time putting together a small package for disribution at schools/colleges/uni's showing how being a marhsall gives them access to a.) Fun b.) new friends c.) great subjects for school work.

**Woolley** · 21 Jul 2003, 22:30

Thanks, darcym, appreciate the sentiments.

I think we all know that the drivers do appreciate what we do (as we appreciate great racing), we just need the message to get to the clubs/circuits/MSA etc

Stuart Hill · 21 Jul 2003, 23:41

Quote:

Originally posted by darcym
I should also point out that if someone wants to work with me (who is a marshall) I would be very happy to spend some time putting together a small package for disribution at schools/colleges/uni's showing how being a marhsall gives them access to a.) Fun b.) new friends c.) great subjects for school work.

having "worked" with a driver during a meeting it is very enlightening as to just how much goes on during a Speed Event weekend. Just how that may translate to non-participants i'm not sure but as an ex-marshal it was great fun. I might even go back on-the-bank.

But to address your earlier point, just to echo Woolley, thank you for your comments. I don't think any of us marshals do it for the thanks but it is nice to receive them. As to recruiting "new blood", well..... many have tried and some have failed. The only way I know is to get them trackside by whatever means and see if they like it. Some do, some don't, such is life, but the manner in which they are introduced to the sport must count for something. Just dumped on a post cannot be good for anyone, but (as at Oulton Park), getting a tour of the circuit and an introduction to all the posts aswell as the personnel must help. I would love to know the percentage of "newbies" at Oulton that have taken the plunge and become regular marshals.

Ian Lewis · 22 Jul 2003, 07:39

Any new Marshal attending Oulton park will be very well looked after, not just dumped on a post and left to fend for themselves. Please make yourselves known to Nadine or me, we do the marshals sign on at Oulton.
Please let me know if you attending and I will arrange a ticket for you to pass through the gate.
Ian Lewis

Alan Green · 22 Jul 2003, 08:04

Quote:

Originally posted by Stevespurr
How many are at Donington for the DTM?

Friday (obviously) is quite thin on the ground according to BARCs list, with observers needed mostly (lots of flaggies taking pens & clipboards & extra arms I think!). For the weekend there seems to be plenty to go round the GP circuit. Should be a good weekend (although the timings look to be missing much in the way of breaks).

Alan

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