Become one of bike racing’s heroes – train as a track marshal
Joining the ‘Orange Army’ will transform your trakside experience
‘The Suzuki SV goes end over end’
There is no better way to spectate a motorcycle race than as a marshal. Standing behind the catch fencing and in front of the crowds, it’s a unique viewing experience that invites you into the competitive sphere and allows you to make a direct contribution to the sport. Lining the tarmac of every British venue in a border of vibrant orange, marshals are the first responders to every racing incident, a vital signal to riders with their array of flags, as well as the eyes and ears for race control. These volunteers charge towards potentially dangerous situations to ensure every mishap is dealt with in the safest and most efficient manner possible. Without them, racing simply couldn’t go ahead. The reward for this dedication is some of the best seats in the house; sitting closer to the tarmac than the spectators and enjoying some spine-tinglingly good racecraft with like-minded enthusiasts, knowing that your presence helps make it all possible. You can volunteer to become a marshal right now. Racing clubs typically hold marshal training days prior to the start of the season, however, most take volunteers midway through and provide them with on-site training. You won’t be chucked-in at the deep end, but instead be taught some basic first aid, the meaning of flags, hand signals and more – building you up at your own pace.
To see what it’s all about, I headed to a scorching Cadwell Park in early August, where the British Motorcycle Racing Club (Bemsee) were hosting the second round of their championship. Meet the team Today we are manning two corners; Coppice and the Chicane. Coppice is the first corner of the track and sees riders bank left at in excess of 100mph as they scream uphill towards Charlies. The Chicane sits directly opposite and is narrow and awkward - a hard section to master surrounded by 30 racers. Arriving at my post at around 8.30am, I am introduced to my fellow marshals by Corner Commander, Chris Block. The Hertfordshire-based design engineer has been volunteering since 2002 and provides a briefing for all – addressing Covid-19 guidelines and stressing that no
question is too foolish and that our safety is paramount. He is also in charge of relaying info to race control from our section of circuit. On flags is Ann Ward and behind her and lining the catch fencing are the pick-up crew, consisting of Sally Watson, Robert Rawson, Gary Timpson and – gulp - me.
As the clock strikes 9am, I can hear the first bikes rumbling out of the collecting area. There’s time for a final sip of coffee and a deep inhale of the Lincolnshire air, before I apply my face mask (for close quarter interactions during recovery) and slip on my thick protective gloves.
Morning wake-up call
Not four minutes later, a bike runs on at Coppice, launching the machine end-over-end and the rider tumbling into the grassy bank. My fellow marshals rush to the rider’s aid, but I’m a deer in the headlights as the pirouetting Suzuki SV650 shakes itself apart with a succession of loud bangs. The session is immediately halted, but I remain paralysed, attempting to process what has just happened 50 yards in front of me. Wombling out to - quite literally - pick up the pieces, it’s a stark reminder of the priceless support the marshals provide.
Easing into it
Moving towards lunchtime, the incident rate falls dramatically, and we enjoy the last few sessions before the break without interruption. Tucked low between curves in an area inaccessible to the public, it’s a vantage point like no other - the sound reverberating off the surrounding banks, punctuated by the pungent whiff of petrol By the afternoon, I have conquered my hesitance and am venturing round the tyre walls and onto the live circuit to rescue fallen riders and stationary bikes and sidecars. You need to get the job done as quickly as possible, but you also need to keep yourself safe. The completion of each run is a shot of adrenaline and with every bike that’s rolled into the recovery van comes an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction. It’s been a long day, but my respect for marshals has grown tenfold. If you want to be in this elite club, register your interest now.