Nottingham Sports Car Club

Marshalling for the NSCC

Marshals are an essential part of sprint and hillclimbing. Without them there would be no motorsport. Marshalling covers all manner of tasks from paddock control, start line, track side control to life saving safety. Typically marshals are people who want to be involved in motorsport but do not want to compete. Also many competitors take part in marshalling as a way of putting something back into the sport. I think every driver should commit to at least one day marshalling a year to see things from "the other side". You would be surprised just how much you don't know about your regular events!!

If you enjoy being close to the action then you can get the best seats in the house with cars traveling past at over 100 mph literally a few meters away.

Also as a marshal at an NSCC event you get money towards your lunch and some drinks provided - so free food and a show.

What can I do while marshalling at a NSCC sprint event?

There are lots of various marshalling responsibilities at an NSCC sprint meeting both on and off the track. An important thing to note is that anyone in decent health can marshal, no specialist training is needed, as training is very much on-the-job. Have a look below at the list of responsibilities and if one takes your fancy then contact the club for details of our next event.

How long does a typical event day last for?

Marshals are generally required to arrive and sign on at a circuit for about 8 AM on the morning of the event and are required until the last car has left the track, usually between 4-5 PM. A lunch break is always provided during the day and there is always plenty of space to park your car for the day for free.

Do Marshal's get paid for their work

No, Marshals are all unpaid volunteers and undertake the job because of their passion for motorsport. That said the NSCC recognize how valuable its marshals are and give each Marshal a contribution (currently £15) towards expenses at each meeting they attend.

Do I need any specialist equipment or clothing to marshal?

No. The club provide basic protective gloves and a high visibility tabard and that is all that is needed to go marshalling. You should however wear natural fabrics as much as possible and avoid wearing the colour red so not to be clash with the circuit flags. Some marshals do purchase out of their own money orange coveralls and other equipment to assist in their work but it's totally optional.

What are the benefits to marshalling?

For a motorsport fan Marshalling is great way of getting involved at the heart of the action without competing. You get up close and personal with some of the most exotic, rare and fastest cars in the world and get to meet some like minded people at the same time. Backing up the marshalling role is an approved training and grading system that is recognize worldwide enabling progression to marshalling at international events such as the World Rally Championship or Formula one. Recently, 350 British volunteer marshals were invited to Abu Dhabi to help in the running of the first ever Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Marshaling also helps with non-motorsport related activities, it helps to learn how to cope under pressure and deal with incidents and fires almost anywhere and not just on the circuit. It's a great thing to put on a CV to demonstrate learning, team working and personal development.

Who should I contact to get involved with the NSCC?

Get in contact with our Marshals officer by using our contact form

Further Reading

British Rally Marshals Club The British Rally Marshals Club was formed in 1980 by a group of people within the British Motorsport Marshals Club who all had a common interest in rally marshalling. Back in 1980 the "mission" of the BRMC was to promote Safer Motor Sport and that remains the club's primary objective to this day.

www.marshals.co.uk The BMMC has various disciplines and specific training sections for Circuit, Karting, Speed Events (i.e. Sprint & Hillclimb), rallying, etc.

www.silkrallyradio.com Don't let the rally name put you off as there is quite a bit of info about marshalling on the site when you ' drill down'

A big thank you to Tom Bannister for writing this content