MARSHALLING MATTERS
The new normal is coming
The Club ’ s chief marshal Fay Crook considers the increasing move back towards what will be the new normal for marshalling in a post-COVID world .
Our ever watchful marshals
Whilst writing this article , it looked like we would hopefully be back to nearly normal and with more marshals for meetings from 17 May onwards , including trainees . We may still have to keep social distancing measures , but full details will hopefully come from Motorsport UK in due course . I hope that Taster Days will also be able to resume soon , as I know there is a long queue of people wanting to do this , but again we are waiting for more information from Motorsport UK .
One good thing that has come out of COVID is the use of advance sign-on and I would expect this to continue . Each circuit operates slightly differently , so you need to read the Final Instructions carefully . This was something that we had been talking about for a few years , but it could not be decided the best way to do it , so COVID forced the clubs and M-UK to come up with ways to make it work .
By signing on in advance , and possibly being told which post you are going to , means that admin on the day is cut down . Again , you will need to check whether you have to go to a ‘ sign-on ’ where you are ticked off or if you can go straight to post . Some circuits will send you a QR code and this is scanned when you arrive and goes through to the Chief Marshal who knows you are on site . If you are not scanned , but have a QR code , please check with security if they can scan you in , as they sometimes get distracted and forget to do it . Alternatively , you may be asked to e-mail the Chief Marshal when you arrive on post . This may also give you extra time in the morning when you can catch up with friends and possibly have breakfast together before going on post .
The use of written reports has varied this year and most of the time we are working with just verbal reports and only supplying written reports when asked . It may continue like this and you may be asked to send the report via e-mail or WhatsApp . This frees up Clerks or Chief Observers having to drive round between every session and can save time throughout the meeting .
On the subject of reports , can I please ask all Post Chiefs or acting Post Chiefs , that if a marshal goes to the Medical Centre for any reason that a written report is done and sent to Race Control . The organising club needs this to tie up with the Medical Report they receive at the end of the day .
With regards to general marshalling , can I remind you that if you are with a car that has stopped for any reason , that you try and keep an eye on the traffic and use the car as protection between you and the on-coming traffic . This applies to pits as well as on circuit . Stay safe and enjoy your marshalling .
Track limits …
“ We may still have to keep social distancing measures ”
26