OFFICIAL PROGRAMME more new tricks to learn . At that CIV round at Misano recently Rafaelle noted , “ It was not possible to do the marshal ’ s briefing inside the press conference room , like normal . So we did it ( with the aid of a big screen projector ) outside in the grandstands !” The chain of command is important , for not just starting races , but stopping them , and making sure the correct signals are shown at the right times . John explained the hierarchy at a typical WorldSBK event . “ Each corner has a corner commander or IO ( Incident Officer ) who allocates the activities of the marshals on his or her corner . The individual marshals are usually in groups of three for bike pick up incidents . The IO is in direct radio contact with the Race Director in Race Control and acts as the eyes and ears to supplement the CCTV images and live TV feed available . One of my pre-event tasks is to allocate to each corner the IO and the number of marshals available based on historic events and experience . At all events the top of the pyramid is the Race Director to whom all are ultimately responsible and for WorldSBK , there is also the Permanent Jury overseeing that all things are correctly run .” As far as unpaid leisure pursuits are concerned , there seems to be a lot to this race marshal thing . Especially as they do it in all weathers , and there is a lot of responsibility involved . So who are the race marshals ? What kind of humans does it attract ? All kinds , clearly … “ They come from each and every area of employment and retirement ,” said John . “ We have greenkeepers and gamekeepers , shopkeepers and a few Inn Keepers ! Drivers of all sorts - buses , lorries and refuse carts . Several teachers and lecturers . A couple of lawyers ; one Nuclear Physicist . Perhaps the largest group is the recently retired , who find they now have the time to give . Retired Military and Fire Service are common . Many are bikers but I suppose not that many are car-interested , If they were they would be at the circuits on different weekends .” To be serious for a second , we have to ask , in an environment where the dangers are obvious , how dangerous is it being a marshal ? “ We do everything possible to reduce the risks and these have prevented many incidents escalating , but there can still be incidents which pose danger ,” explained John . “ Anywhere in front of the armco can be a risk area and even behind , as bikes can frequently go airborne . We have procedures in place such as designated spotters , giving early warnings to marshals out in gravel traps . We emphasise working in pairs , watching for incoming incidents . Thankfully , serious incidents are very , very rare but have happened . Before my time as chief we did have a marshal fatally injured by a flying bike and a few years ago the medic standing next to me was knocked unconscious by debris .” One of the old sayings in racing is that the marshals , despite the obvious potential for risk , get the best view of the races each weekend . Is that true , John ? “ It obviously does have the best uninterrupted view but bear in mind that it is not always your first choice of view . As a spectator you are free to walk around and take in the view from several corners in each day .” More importantly for John and his colleagues is being part of something worthwhile , something that brings about the satisfaction of a good job well done . “ The key element is being part of the presentation team ,” said John . “ Being on a corner as part of a team of people with likeminded thoughts and feelings … the satisfaction of having contributed to the smooth running of the event .” There is also , the social side ; camaraderie after the engines stop for the
“ Worst part has got to be the weather and the long days ” day . Many of the marshals actually camp at trackside , but not all , it appears . “ I would suspect that about 60 % stay on site , 20 % in hotels , friends , B & Bs and 20 % live near enough to travel daily ,” stated John . “ The circuit provides a separate campsite area for marshals , we have an early start so appreciate being able to have a sensible noise curfew . Those on site stay in their own motorhomes , caravans or tents . We provide good toilet , showers and electric hook ups via industrial generators . Anyone staying in hotels cover the costs themselves . Staying onsite does have its camaraderie with several BBQs going and shared drinks . A couple of times each year we are able to organise a larger scale social BBQ or hog roast .” So now we understand a little more about what the weekend experience of those vital race marshal entails , what is the worst part - and the best part ? “ Worst part has got to be the weather and the long days ,” said John . And then more seriously , “… You do have to be aware that you have the possibility of dealing with a nasty incident . In that eventuality the training really does kick in onto auto reaction . Best part ? Watching top quality action with close unpredictable racing .” As a breed of people without whom there would be no racing at all , we should never take the ever-present but low-key race marshals for granted . Super Heroes don ’ t wear capes , they wear high-vis overalls
EXCITING CONTENT
51