MARSHALS’ The newsletter of the South East Region of the British Motorsport Marshals Club POST AUTUMN 2019
Chairman’s Thoughts
As I write this column, it’s not even yet October and yet my motor racing season, in terms of marshalling, ended uncharacteristically early at the beginning of September.
Anyhow, as I look back on the last few meetings at which I’ve marshalled, they’ve been cracking stuff. I’m referring to the (mostly) full grids and superb racing that I witnessed at the British GT/F3, DTM, CSCC, and MSVR events at Brands Hatch in August and September.
Talking of the Classic Sports Car Club event...they were really short of marshals for their meeting and there were several appeals in the weeks preceding their meeting for more marshals to assist. I’m glad to say that their appeals didn’t seem to me to fall on deaf ears and the event proceeded with just about acceptable numbers of marshals, albeit that there may have been the usual amount of marshals press ganged into doing duties with which they were unfamiliar.
What’s the point I am trying to make? It’s this: when you get your 2020 race schedules, make sure that volunteering for the CSCC event at Brands goes to the top of your list! Apart from the racing, which I have already mentioned….and apart from receiving £10 a day…the CSCC, in blisteringly hot weather, sent a van to all marshals’ posts with bottles of…wait for it!...... COLD WATER!! Both days! Brilliant! So it can be done. A little forethought; a bit of forward planning, including checking on the weather forecast, and above all: THE RIGHT MINDSET! A “CAN DO” ATTITUDE, if you like.
There are big refrigerators right next to Race Control, and clearly CSCC had used them. So, if they can, so can all the other clubs that use Brands Hatch. No excuses! If the same facilities do not exist at other circuits, like Lydden Hill and Snetterton, then that needs to be corrected….for a relatively tiny cost: a fridge and some bottles of water. What could be easier?
Oh and in return, what can we marshals do?...... Don’t throw your used plastic bottles into the tyre wall. At the very least put them in the rubbish bins or, better still, take them home for re-cycling. By the way, I’ve written to our National Chairman Nadine Lewis about this and she will raise the issue with Race Committee at Motorsport UK.
That brings me on to race day itself and something that Chief Marshals and Marshals’ Administrators have to bear on a much too frequent basis…. That is “No Show” marshals. By that I don’t mean those who contact said chiefs and administrators with apologies for whatever reasonable reason, or who, in rare instances, are faced with an emergency. I mean those serial offenders who do not have the courtesy to communicate with race clubs to inform them that they can no longer attend an event (for which they may have volunteered many months before). Currently there are no formal means of handling these individuals, whether they be BMMC members (I hope they aren’t!) or not. I’m quite happy to name names on-line, if that helps with breaking the habit. Has anyone else got any ideas of how we should handle this issue?
I recently also held my regular meeting with Mike Groves, Circuit manager at Brands Hatch, to discuss improvements and alterations to the infrastructure that may assist or impact upon marshals whilst on duty at the track. Please see the report on page 5 of this issue. If a marshal has any observations, suggestions or concerns relating to performing
BMMC (SE) AUTUMN 2019 - Page 1 their role at the venue, please contact me or any of the SE committee and this will be raised either immediately or at my next scheduled circuit meeting.
Sorry to disappoint, but no rants, this issue! Close to it, maybe, but none.
So I’ll end for this year, living in hope that SKY inserts a “No Commentary” red button option on their F1 screens…and wishing you all a HAPPY CHRISTMAS and the VERY BEST for 2020.
Neil Stretton Chairman: BMMC (South-East Region)
“And Another Thing…” (An Editorial)
A bit like motorsport turning ‘electric’ or hybrid, or nuclear, or whatever, change is most likely inevitable. It sometimes comes along and slowly but other times much faster than we would personally, or ideally, like. Often the change provides better value or choice. Other times it leaves you with no choice at all. You’ll be happy to know that unlike some of your favourite motorsport publications, the cost of this particular offering has not changed, but I can’t say the same for one of our longest-established weekly motorsport magazines: ‘Autosport’. If you’re not a regular subscriber you may not have noted the recent increase in the weekly cover price from £3.99 an issue to an eyewatering £10.99 (!) Brutal…(Price rise now reversed !! Ed) Another publication and one which may be less well known to many, is the German quarterly magazine ‘Automobilsport’ (they produce an English version so no need for Google translate!). An excellent, quality magazine covering mostly the historic racing scene. I mention this as it too has caught the inflation busting price rise bug, rising from £7.99 to £13.99 per issue (Do we dare blame Brexit?!) So, your cupboards or shelves may soon not be quite so overloaded with dusty back copies as the world of motorsport journalism moves us ever closer to the ‘digital’ option (Maybe you will need to buy a larger hard drive though!). In saying all this I must probably reflect on our own SE Region ‘Marshals’ Post’. Each issue is now delivered digitally to over 550 recipients and also to around 15 members in printed copy. With regard to the foregoing perhaps our region has inadvertently found itself ahead of a trend.
The Motorsport UK Yearbook 2019 can be an interesting read.. Take Part 2, ‘The Regulations’ for example. From Page 51 you will find ‘The National Sporting Code’. Under point 10 of this code sits a ‘Code of Conduct’. At point 10.2 the subject of ‘Abuse’ is covered and states: “Motorsport UK will not tolerate any form of abuse or aggression towards officials, marshals, spectators and competitors.” I mention this as for only the second time only in over 40 years of marshalling in the UK and around the world, but sadly twice during the same meeting (!), I was witness to and later subjected to this manner of behaviour. I fully appreciate the pressures and stresses not only the competitors are under but it will be interesting to see how this unsavoury, unnecessary and most certainly ‘unsporting’ conduct will be resolved under this code.
So, as another season draws to a close, some of us have already hung up our overalls. Some are beginning to wind down, while others never stop… But before long it will all start over again. I know I bang on about our personal safety quite regularly and make no apology for that, because as we all know… ”It will never happen to me…”
On that point are you eligible for a new set of our BMMC sponsored overalls ? Visit the BMMC web site Regalia page for more information: https://www.marshals.co.uk/regalia/
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The BMMC (SE) ‘One Question’ Prize Quiz can be found on page 6 of this issue Have a bash and you may be the winner of a BTCC Team Excelr8 polo shirt and lanyard, a signed BTCC Halfords team Yuasa Honda shirt and a VP Racing Fuels baseball cap bundle !!
As my parting shot to 2019 may I also take this opportunity to thank you for your support and to wish you and yours an early ‘Merry Christmas’ and I look forward to meeting up again, somewhere warm and sunny, in the New Year. Cheers !! Bob McEwan / Newsletter Editor [email protected] [email protected]
BMMC (SE Region) – AGM
The AGM for BMMC (SE) was held on Wednesday 23 October 2019 in Hailwood’s Restaurant, Brands Hatch.
The committee would like to express their sincere thanks to all those 29 members who attended and participated. In addition, we pass our grateful thanks to MSV, Andy Lyle and the catering staff who looked after us during the evening. The minutes from the meeting can be found on the BMMC (SE) website ‘News’ page.
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MSV MARSHALS F3000 Prize Drive
Now we’ve all seen the emails from Mildred announcing the latest winner of the marshals’ F3000 prize drive following an MSVR promoted race meeting, but what happens if it is your name on the message…? Back in May I was fortunate to be the recipient of this fantastic voucher and in August I arranged for my drive at MSV’s spectacular PalmerSport Bedford Autodrome facility.
The weather on the day could not have been better. Blue skies, sunshine and the whole West Circuit all to myself – including two rescue units! My instructor firstly took us on a tour of the engineering facilities where a huge selection of mouth-watering track day machinery is maintained. This included a ‘vertical’ car park, the resting place for the fleet of cars that MSV ran for the FIA Formula Two Championship between 2009 and 2012. We then took to the track for a fast sighting lap in a BMW X5, before undertaking the necessary instructional video and systems briefing for my F3000 car.
The car is powered by a V6, 3.0 litre unit producing 250bhp and weighs only 600kg. A six-speed, paddle operated gearshift will ensure my hands stay on the tiny steering wheel and my attention is also focused on the gear change light system. Slick tyres and wings shall ensure my learning curve would never be described as shallow… There would be no hiding place either as my drive would be captured by cameras mounted on the roll hoop and side mirror, for that ‘in car’ helmet shot. Data including speed, revs, gear selection, circuit mapping and lap timing is also recorded.
With a final warning that if I landed in the only gravel trap on the circuit, situated at the first corner and the one with the highest approach speed (!) my session would be over, I dropped my visor, pushed the start button to fire up my motor, eased back on the foot clutch (not used again after that), raised the revs to 3500 rpm and took to ‘my’ track…
Having previously watched the online, Martin Brundle narrated, onboard track lap several or more times, I was confident that from my new, very securely strapped in, point of view I knew which way to go. Now I’ll admit early that my session included two brief spins at the previously mentioned first corner, but watching my video many times I still can’t see what I did any differently (professional excuses already !) I had decided that as I probably wouldn’t get this sort of opportunity again, I was going to drive just as quickly as my confidence would allow.
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Addictive, thrilling, certainly physical, but inspiring you to push hard, I eventually set my personal fastest lap on my very last lap. Still about 7 seconds from a ‘top ten’ lap, I’m sure with some more practice and some reflection, I could have shaved a few more seconds off this. Well I would, wouldn’t I…
This experience offers a unique, albeit brief, chance to be The Driver at a world class facility in a real performance car. So, my advice would be if you are fortunate enough to receive that email from Mildred, do everything you can to claim your prize. You will have 12 months to redeem your voucher…You will not be disappointed!
Many thanks to all at MSV who make this experience possible.
MEETING NOTES NEIL STRETTON (ABMRC Marshals’ Rep. – Brands Hatch) & MIKE GROVES (Brands Hatch Circuit Manager) 28th August 2019
Post 2: The work to install a gate adjacent to Post 2 will take place at the end of the season. The materials are already at Brands Hatch, but complicated fibre-optic cabling behind Post 2 dictates that the work is on hold for the moment, until the end of this season. A shelf on which to place the lights box control panel has been installed.
Ambulance Gate: The missing red foam “bandage” to cover corroded metal on the inner gates was replaced at the Festival Italia event.
Post 5: The plastic cover to the black button on the lights control panel has been replaced (in fact it was the whole panel that was replaced 23/08/19).
Post 6: The door is hanging by one hinge. NS requested that the whole door be removed. This will be done.
The steps to the gate near the South Bank toilets has been much improved, making them safer to use.
Post 7: This part of the circuit is now much safer for bike competitors, and we will just have to adapt to its new positioning. NS raised the issue of the TV camera which was placed between the marshals’ post and the debris fencing at the DTM event. Circuit management was successful in getting much advertising material removed that would otherwise hinder marshals’ views of the track, and negotiated with DTM to alter the positioning of this particular TV camera, but to no avail. MG will attempt for 2020 to persuade DTM officials to comply with our request regarding Post 7. No promises.
Post 12: NS brought to MGs attention that it had been reported that several wooden Armco uprights near Post 12 need replacing. MG to investigate.
Post 13: A concrete base is being laid for the new marshals’ hut. The new hut will be installed at the end of the season as work is required to dig out and subsequently install some bank retention around the new hut. The new steps and gate, behind Post 13 are appreciated.
Posts 15, 19 and 21 now have new marshals’ huts.
Post 18: The ground, underfoot, is exceedingly rocky. MG agreed to have this made smoother. NS to send him photos of the area.
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Post 20: The errant plank that protrudes, at head height on to the walkway, behind the TV scaffold, cannot, for regulatory reasons, be moved or sawn through. MSV have removed the metal edging, attached bright yellow “warning” tape to the protruding plank, and cut back the vegetation that was making this walkway very narrow.
Post 24: New, tinted, “Perspex” has now replaced the scratched material that was previously in place. NS asked if an additional gate could be installed at the top of the steps, so that a marshal can stand, more safely, on the balcony. MG to investigate the feasibility.
Posts 11, 12, & 20: New huts are on order, and should be installed by the beginning of the 2020 season.
Start line box: It had been reported that some of the (start line?) flags, stored under the start line box, are in a sorry state. MG to investigate.
Camping Site Security: It had been reported that there is a lack of security to prevent members of the general public entering the marshals’ campsite on Fridays. MG stated that at small club events, the occasional member of public is permitted to camp in the area used by marshals. This is because it is not feasible to open up a dedicated public campsite for a very small handful of people. At larger race meetings, e.g. BTCC, DTM, F3GT, etc, there are specific marshal and public campsites. NS will monitor via marshals’ feedback whether there are any concerns with the current arrangement.
Lower Triangle: The ruts at the entrance to the marshals’ car park have been filled in. In all probability, this will be further filled in before the end of 2019.
Radio Transmissions and Reception: It is recognised by MSV that there has been intermittent poor or non-reception. Prior to the DTM race meeting, a new mast and high-gain directional antenna was installed on the roof of the MSV Centre. Initial tests have proved that signal strengths on the GP Loop (and Post 16 specifically) are improved. MG not aware of any issues at DTM. MG/NS to continue to monitor and discuss at future meetings (and in-between meetings, if necessary). MG stated that headsets which have been exchanged for fresh headsets are stored separately, and returned to MRTC (on a 3-4 week basis) for investigation and repair.
Next meeting: Scheduled for 22/01/2020
BMMC (SE) ‘One Question’ Prize Quiz
Have a go and you may be the winner of a BTCC Team Excelr8 polo shirt and lanyard, a signed BTCC Halfords team Yuasa Honda shirt and a VP Racing Fuels baseball cap bundle !!
Q - The Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull F1 teams have led every Grand Prix since Williams at Silverstone in 2015.
This run of over 4 years and 86 races was recently broken by which F1 team ?
Send your answer, along with your BMMC membership number and postal address, by email and using ‘BMMC SE Autumn Quiz’ as the subject line to: [email protected] Or by post to: BMMC (SE) Newsletter, 10 Rowan Way, Canewdon, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3PD All entries close at midnight on Friday 20 December 2019. One entry only per member. One prize as described is available. Winner will be drawn at random from correct entries received by closing date. Winner chosen by BMMC (SE) chair or nominated deputy. Editors decision is final!
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JIM CLARK - MOTORSPORT MUSEUM I appreciate this particular motorsport venue is not on our SE doorstep, but if you happen to be heading north you could do a lot worse than take a detour, as I did recently, to the picturesque Scottish border town of Duns. Find a spare £5 (which allows re-entry for a year!) and spend a while immersing yourself in the legend that is James Clark Jr OBE - Formula 1 world champion in 1963 and 1965 - 75 Grands Prix starts, 25 wins, 33 pole positions and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 1965.
The museum itself is not large, has recently been refurbished and was officially opened in August 2019 by Sir Jackie Stewart. It traces Clark’s story, displays around 100 of his trophies, estimated to be about a third of the number he won, memorabilia from his career and currently two of his racing cars. The first a Lotus Type 25/R6 and the other a Lotus Cortina, registration BJH 417B, his 1964 British Saloon Car Championship winning vehicle, currently owned by fellow Scot and 3-time Indianapolis 500 winner, Dario Franchitti.
Now, my late teenage kids have not yet caught the motorsport bug, but I was surprised at how engrossed even they became, studying the unique variety of the trophies on display and their amazement at what risks drivers took back in the 60’s.
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Interactive screens throughout the museum and short documentary films added to the visitor engagement. The venue has a calmness to it’s atmosphere that also feels very appropriate.
Visit the Jim Clark Trust website below for more information. http://jimclarktrust.com/jim-clark-motorsport-museum/
2020 Marshal Training Days Dates for some local marshal training days have already been announced. Snetterton – 26 January Lydden Hill – 09 February Brands Hatch – 29 February (Post Chiefs, Flag, IO’s, Experienced Grades) and 01 March (Track. Trainees, New Marshals) See email circulation from Mildred Wiltshire or contact BRSCC (SE) Chief Marshal: Anne Rothberg [email protected] A full list of 2020 marshal training dates/locations/contacts will be published on the Motorsport UK website in due course. https://www.motorsportuk.org/Resource-Centre/Marshals
Britcar – Brands Hatch November 2019 It’s not often you get to witness the world race debut of a significant new car, but if you attended the recent Britcar ‘Into the Night’ races, you won’t quickly forget the sight (and glorious sound!) of the new Brabham BT62, described by Brabham Automotive as, “The world’s most track focused hypercar”.
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The mid mounted 5.4 litre Brabham V8 engine, produces 700bhp and the car will be limited to a production run of 70 vehicles. It secured a maiden race win in atrocious conditions on Saturday, driven by Will Powell and David Brabham, which was followed by a retirement in a dry race two the following day.
Know your cars ? No peeking now, as the answer to this photo teaser can be found on page 12
GARY HAWKINS
The next time you are allocated to Post 5 at Druids and wander up the hill from Hailwoods Restaurant, take a moment to study the small gate that allows you access to the track side. Not everyone may have noticed the small plaque affixed to said gate that bears the inscription, ‘The Gary Hawkins Gate’. If you are unaware, Gary is one of the hardy band of ‘media’ tabard wearing photographers who, like us, has endured the good and the bad of the Great British weather to capture the incidents, action, celebrities, characters and atmosphere of our sport for many years. I recently caught up with him, to find out a little bit more about his chosen vocation.
“ I was lucky enough to be taken to the 1976 British GP where Niki Lauda and James Hunt had their famously fought GP, and this lit my fire for Motor Racing forever more. My other hobby being photography blended well with the excitement of motorsport, and whenever I could I took photos at all my visits to Brands Hatch.
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My first love was agriculture, and I trained at college to chase a career as a farm manager. Whilst at college I was fortunate to be offered a weekend opening to work for Autosport in 1987, and this was when my life changed from wannabe farmer, to full time photographer.
I have been very fortunate to have been supported by many in my career, including Magazine titles Autosport, Motorsport News, Fast Car and many more. Together with this, I have had a good relationship working through Brands Hatch, my local circuit, and this has enabled me to further my career and to get to know and meet many famous figures in motorsport, some of whom I can proudly say are friends too.
The digital age has moved photography to a level where results must be shown immediately, and where media now can show our profession in almost real time. People like to see and read about things quickly and in short succinct one line stories. Pictures still need to have impact, I would say….but time is of the essence these days. That is not saying that quality is still important. We need to strive to give the best images, but with an eye to produce instantly - the picture of the day.
I have always enjoyed Brands Hatch my local circuit for photography. Favourite corners include Surtees GP loop, which has a great set of angle for photography all the way through the corner. Paddock Hill Bend is very exciting for everyone, and makes an excellent start shot. That said, most places at Brands are very attractive, and unlike more modern tracks, we are still relatively close to the action, allowing more scope for different compositions in greater quantity. Saying that most circuits in the UK have some great places to work from, you just need to spend a bit of time looking for yourself. When I plan my days, it is governed by my clients want on the day.
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Sometimes more atmosphere is required, so paddock and pit action is needed, whereas general race action has to be planned on race time, and also to bear in mind where the best sun might fall too. I have always used Canon equipment since I became professional in 1988. Canon build strong well set up cameras, and their backup service works well too if you need servicing or repairs done quickly. I can’t say I really have a favourite picture as such. I am always looking to improve, and shoot a high quality picture. Moments sometime just happen, and an element of luck is always a help! Probably sales wise, my two best selling images are an A1GP car rolling down Paddock Hill Bend, along with a mad Irish Priest running on the track at the British GP in 2003…….both crazy incidents….both reaction photos, with no planning….making the moment much more special to have caught in picture.
If you like the idea of being involved with photography within motorsport, my advice is persevere and don’t give up, you will get plenty of knock backs and hurdles to overcome, but if you want something enough you can get that want…..just practice, never be fully satisfied, and keep your eyes open for any chance of a decent picture which falls at your feet and that could be the moment your photographic career takes off. Favourite drivers/ manager…Ayrton Senna, Alain Menu, Jo Winkelhock, Robb Gravett, Charly Lamm, Dick Bennetts and David Bartrum. I have been lucky to get to know and be friends with many motorsport people, which has added to my liking for the sport immensely. Advice for shooting cars….use 500th/sec shutter speed as your go to starting point to freeze action. 250th and below to add movement to the background. Keep your elbows in and fixed against your torsoe and swing from your hips, and try to maintain the subject in the same point in the viewfinder at all times, as you hit the shutter. Modern cameras do an awful lot to make photography much easier than when I first started, allowing you much more scope to experiment, without film or print costs too. Ultimately though just enjoy it as a hobby first….the next step after that is a big one!
I have always loved my job, even though it nearly killed me in 1990. This incident has driven me to make the most out of my life and with the help of friends and colleagues in our sport I am pleased to say I have run on maximum for a lot of my life…and I hope this carries on for some time yet.
I must say thank you to all of you, who have helped make my job happen and the support I receive from the club marshals has always been a massive boost. I still have the drive to win in my work, just like the race drivers I have captured for the last 30 plus years at tracks in Britain and Europe.”
** All photos in this article are the property of Gary Hawkins and must not be reproduced without his permission. BMMC (SE) AUTUMN 2019 - Page 11
BMMC (SE) Members’ Secretary The committee are delighted to announce that Liam Johnston will be taking over the position of our Members’ Secretary following a successful application and voting process. He will be replacing Lynn Sencicle who has performed the role for a number of years and has overseen the continued healthy increase to our regions’ membership numbers. There will be a period of ‘handover’ whilst Liam becomes familiar with the job and the associated processes. The committee would also like to publicly thank Lynn for all her hard work and efforts both in this role and in support of the committee activities in general. We know you will join us in wishing her well in her future marshalling and professional careers.
Know your cars ? Answer – Allegedly, this is the only example of the Israeli SABRA GT currently on sale in the world through a Belgian dealer. The name can be translated to ‘tzabar’ in Hebrew, which can mean ‘cactus’, which explains the car company’s logo. Sabra initially launched in 1960 at the New York Auto Show with a small pick-up truck, which was not a success, so they struck a deal with Reliant to turn the engine, body and chassis into a convertible sports car called the Sabra Sports and delivered 100 units to the USA. Powered by a 1700cc Ford engine and carried VIN plates which read “Autocars Company Limited Haifa Israel” despite being built in the UK ! The remaining cars were built in Israel, with only 41 ever reaching the USA. The version on page 9 is the Sports GT which found limited success in the Belgian sales market, where 81 were delivered.
You May Have Missed Racing returns to Isle of Wight Motor sport will return to the Isle of Wight for the first time in 60 years after a new sprint event was confirmed for March 28/29 in 2020. The Solent and Isle of Wight car clubs have joined forces to run the first Sandown Sprint which will feature cars making timed runs along the coastal roads of the seaside town. This event will be the first time competitive motor sport has taken place on the island streets since the introduction of speed limits across the UK during the 1960’s. Prior to this motor rallies and sprints regularly took place on the spectacular roads around the island. For more information visit the website below. https://isleofwightspeedtrials.co.uk/
Bugatti has become the first manufacturer to break the 300mph barrier with a near production version of it’s Chiron model. Driven by Andy Wallace, winner of the 1988 le Mans with Jaguar, he recorded the highest ever Vmax for a road going hypercar at VW’s Ehra-Lessien in October - 490.484 km/h (304.773 mph)
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The 1600bhp Chiron was able to reach the record speed at the track’s 9km long straight. The vehicle was tweaked by extending it’s length by 25cm and had a laser controlled ride height system fitted. The original rear wing and trademark airbrake were removed and replaced with a static version and the quadruple exhausts were reworked into a redesigned rear diffuser.
Now fast is fine, but frugal is cool (debate..?) The astonishing VW XL1 diesel hybrid, produced between 2013 and 2106, only saw 26 units imported into Britain at a cost of £98,515 each.
Able to achieve an astonishing 313mpg (or 100km on one litre of fuel) it features a carbon chassis, ceramic brakes and gullwing doors. Shorter than a VW Polo it weighs only 795kg. Power comes from a combination of a 5.5kWh plug-in battery and a 27bhp electric motor which has a range of up to 31 miles. This is mated to a tiny 800cc 47bhp diesel engine, with the two combining to produce 68bhp and 103lb ft of torque. Top speed is limited to 99mph and 0 -62mph takes 12.9 secs. With a crazy 0.186Cd factor the XL1 only requires 8bhp to cruise at 62mph !
2020 will be the longest F1 season ever with 22 Grands Prix scheduled (that is despite it’s own rules stipulating 21 as a season maximum..!) While it’s the longest season ever, it’s not the largest number of F1 races in a year. In 1963 there were 24 (10 championship and 14 non-title events) and in 1966 there were 22 non-championship races alone ! This year’s championship comprises of 21 races over 259 days – A race every 12.3 days. Next year the frequency increases to a race every 11.8 days! Compare that to the first world championship calendar in 1950 that comprised of just seven races (one of them being the Indianapolis 500!) If a motivated fan watches every minute of practice, qualifying and the race, that adds up to around 7 hours of viewing – allowing 2hrs for the race and a little time either side. Next year that will mean 9.625 days watching F1. Assuming you allow an eight hr window for sleep, that’s more than 2.5% of your waking year !
Le Mans Hypercars Whether or not the new class will be introduced to the race for 2021, it’s interesting to watch the various manufacturers dropping ‘teasers’ as to their proposed participation. One stunning rendition that caught my eye recently was from the American supercar company Glickenhaus.
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Best known for commissioning the one off Ferrari P4/5, designed by Pininfarina, Glickenhaus has a history in racing, contesting the 24hrs of Nurburgring between 2015 and 2017 with the Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SG3 003.
BTCC have announced that in 2020 a new qualifying format will be trialled at Snetterton. Replacing the single 30 min session, drivers will have 25 mins to record a lap time, then the fastest 10 will progress to a ten minute pole position session to determine the top ten grid places.
BMMC (SE) Committee Updates Click on the shield opposite to take you to the BMMC (SE) committee website page.
Membership – Lynn Sencicle / Liam Johnston [email protected] The BMMC numbers continue to grow steadily, but here in the South-East we have exceeded expectations and comfortably achieved the 500 members milestone. That’s a big well done to everyone, whether you’ve encouraged people to join, been a great teacher to new marshals, kept up a positive community spirit... It all contributes to both recruitment and retention, which is important not just for the club, but for the wider marshalling community in terms of having enough marshals to support the racing. New members to look out for and make welcome include: Neil Batty, Mark Manley, Harris Warburton, Paul Bell, Samuel Thomsett-Hurrell, Peter Evans, George Gosling, Kathleen Thompson, Oliver Sutton, Michael Plant, Mark Clay, Neil Whatley, Leila Whatley, Shannon Whatley, Stuart Reid, Keith Smith, Martin Peters, Perrin Osborne, Andreas Killi, Karl Ottaway, David Crouchman, Anthony Brieger, Michael Rex, Meg Smith, Andrew Humphrey, Matthew Taylor, Matthew Kay and Ashley Morris.
Grading – Andy Bumstead [email protected] Grading officers finale for 2019 For this month’s newsletter, and as the southeast region prepares for its AGM, I have been looking back at the data for 2019 to see why there have been upgrade referrals for the region and marshals could not upgrade. This year there have been 6 grades which have been deferred, and these range from missing /incorrect amount of signatures to missing MRF or Marshal Registration Form. https://www.motorsportuk.org/Resource-Centre/Marshals By the time you have read this newsletter the regional AGM may have passed and hope that some of you have managed to attend. This is your chance to influence on how the region is run. IMPORTANT UPGRADING NEWS FROM MSUK Some of you may have seen recently, MSUK have completed a series of updates to the grading scheme and the clarity that it should now bring. There are many specific requirements that are required for each upgrade, so you will all need to check the MSUK web site for details and to see if what you have completed still meets the requirements for any particular grade? There is a handy check list for you to use to see if you can upgrade and what should be sent to your RGO https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/upgradechecklist-applicantsupgraderandclubs.pdf
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MSUK have given no guidelines to clubs as to how to administer these changes, grace or change period so please bare with us as we as grading officers adapt to these changes and potentially return your upgrades to be completed to the required standards as currently defined by MSUK. Please pay your part in checking the MSUK website.
What can I do as a marshal? As the SE grading officer (RGO) for the region, I am trying to reduce these referrals, but you all have your part to play. Do you all know who to send your upgrade to? Well you should do as virtually each edition of this newsletter has a cut out and keep section which you can place in your PRC wallet ready for that upgrade. This year I have received at least 10+ emails asking what to do next when the marshal thinks they are ready. Simple answer, it’s in the newsletters or on the cut out and keep section below!
So we all use these little blue/white books but what are they used for? The PRC or Personal Record Card is for you to administer and understand and allows you to record your attendance and training to allow you to upgrade. It should only be used for upgrading or maintenance of grade. Some upgrades that are sent through are accompanied by 1-6 sheets of the PRC continuation sheets covering a number of years. For any upgrade these Continuation sheets are not needed unless they are required to support an upgrade for whatever reason. Too many sheets mean extra postage and the possibility of loss in the post. Do you all take copies of your PRC before sending? If you don’t, then you should, and also at least every 3 months during the season depending on how many meetings you do. If you happen to lose your documents then you have a back up to enable an upgrade or to provide evidence of your maintenance of grade which Motorsport UK will continue with for the foreseeable future. The last gripe is please, DO NOT staple or cellotape any pages to the PRC, and make sure correct postage is paid and envelope is suitable. Please DO NOT send your BMMC membership or MSUK card with the upgrade as this is not required!! For those of you who are upgrading the process normally takes around 4-7 weeks to process and follows these steps: • Week 1-2; PRC and MRF presented to RGO (Regional Grading Officer) and ratified by regional committee remotely or at regional meetings. Upgrade request also sent to other regional clubs for ratification. • Week 2-4; NGO (National Grading Officer) ratifies regional decision and presents PRC and MRF to MSUK. NGO will issue grade badge and confirm successful application/upgrade. • Week 4-7; MSUK then ratify both Regional and national grading officer and issue new registration card and return PRC or issue new one if damaged or unusable. MSUK approval panel meet monthly and it will depend if your application was received before their meeting date. MSUK will send out an approvals list to all clubs nationally to check of any issues with those submitting upgrades. If you think your upgrade is taking longer than expected, please contact your RGO for support and they can check the progress for you.
PC and XPC You have the role to guide and mentor marshals to better understand the grading scheme, to enable learning and development recorded in the PRC. Please use the sections in the PRC in the comments box or at the rear for newer version PRC to record details of additional training requirements. There are some good XPC’s who also provide a précis of the assessments in the PRC. For those XPC that do this well done! Don’t be afraid to make those comments whether it is positive or negative. We all need these comments to enable development. Photos anyone? As you are all aware there is no photography allowed on post, but do I need a photo in my PRC? The answer is yes as this should also match that on your registration card and that currently stored at MSUK. PC and XPC you are responsible for checking this when they are handed in on post. No photo no upgrade signature!
Time for Goodbye!! Hooray I hear you cry, but sadly I am not leaving just yet!! Our National Grading Officer (NGO) Steve Malec has decided to give notice of his impending retirement from the National post. Having worked with Steve for many years and the progress made by Steve in improving our club processes, this is a great shame to see him step down. I BMMC (SE) AUTUMN 2019 - Page 15 am sure for those of you that have upgraded over the years, you have all received your letter and badge in the post from Steve, you like me, would like to thank Steve for the time he has given up for our benefits. From the South East region, all the best to Steve and his family!!
Upgrades Having missed a newsletter edition or two and trawling through my documents, there are a few months worth of marshals who have upgraded so belated well done to those below: Steph Beeken, Joe Murray, Michael Cimitan, Tim Chittleburgh, Paul Williams-Smith, James Henn George Galloway, Michael Sankus, Gary St Pier, Roger Allen & Graham Hay Track marshals Karen Richards & Kyle Price Experienced / Warren Cox Incident Officer / Ben Martin Flag Marshal Peter Barleycorn Post Chief (PC)
Last but not least!! Most of you will be building up to Christmas and spending well deserved time with your families. Before the bag gathers dust in the garage, complete those final checks on your kit and order those new overalls. Why not copy your PRC before the mice eat your upgrade page, and have a drink or two to celebrate another good season. All the best to you and your families for Christmas......
If you require more information please contact the southeast regional grading officer: Andy Bumstead [email protected] or [email protected] Mob. 07802 652556 / 3 Savoy Road, Dartford Kent DA1 5AN.
Cut out and keep in your PRC UPGRADE PROCESS • Collect the required amount of signatures for the grade you are completing in your Personal record card (PRC). Only one duty per day to be recorded. All marshals will and must be registered with the MSUK in order to upgrade. • Complete training day or days as defined in the PRC. Experienced grade training days must be 1 year apart. All upgrades must be at least 1 year apart. • Complete the “On post” assessment following KASE with Examining Post Chief (XPC). Details can be found at www.motorsportuk.org/Resource-Centre/Marshals • Complete a marshal registration form (MRF) and mark at the top “UPGRADE”. https://www.motorsportuk.org/assets/2020marshalregistrationform.pdf • Send upgrade documents including photo in PRC (PRC & MRF) to your regional grading officer (RGO) (BMMC only. Other clubs may have different person nominated). Send upgrades to: BMMC SE (RGO) - Andy Bumstead, 3 Savoy Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 5AN. Tel: 07802 652556
Regalia – Chris Humphreys [email protected] Chris is scheduled to attend Lydden Hill for all 4 winter rally cross dates. All days with regalia available to purchase.
Recruitment – Rosemary Beck [email protected] As the racing season draws to a close with one final Taster Day at Brands Hatch on 17th November, it’s good to look back over this year’s recruitment drive which saw membership numbers increasing yet again. 7 Taster Days were held at Brands Hatch over the summer months with a good turnout, but with disappointingly high numbers of last-minute cancellations and people not showing up on the day. Those that did attend, however, enjoyed their experience and many have joined the Orange Army as a result.
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Snetterton has also had a successful few months as Paul Bardwell took over the running of the Taster Days and saw a considerable increase in numbers attending. He plans to consolidate the whole Taster Day program there next year and we look forward to seeing further success at Snetterton in 2020. Team Wilson took their final bow at Brands Hatch in early October so I’d like to wish them all the very best for the future and recognise their hard work over the years for the recruitment of marshals throughout the country. Filling the gap that they left will be a challenge next year – if you would like to volunteer to assist with the Recruitment Tent at the 2 BTCC meetings at Brands Hatch, please email me or Neil Stretton. Contact details are on the BMMC website. As I mentioned at the SE AGM last week, recruitment is very much team effort….so I would like to thank everyone for giving such a warm welcome to our Taster Day Marshals and for helping to make their experience so special.
Rally – Graham Vince [email protected] The new logo for BRMC has now received it’s approval. Both the logo and a new web page are scheduled to be launched at the ‘Autosport’ show in January 2020.
Dates for some rallies in 2020: MGJ Engineering Brands Hatch Winter Stages - 18 January 2020 Snetterton Stages - 15 February 2020 Full details can be found using the following link: http://msnrallychamp.co.uk/calendar/ Corbeau Seats Rally Tendering & Clacton - 25 & 26 April 2020 - https://chelmsfordmc.co.uk/StageRally/CorbeauSeatsRally
If a marshal requires details of any rally event please log onto the BRMC web page - https://www.brmc.org.uk/ or use the “its my motorsport” web page: http://www.itsmymotorsport.co.uk/
Volunteering – Bryan Degerlund [email protected] BMMC-SE 2020 Volunteering System. Dates for 2020 events are slowly appearing, e.g. CSSC have just issued their 2020 dates, plus major events are being advertised by the organisers, MSVR, BTCC. However these will not be available on the BMMC Volunteering System until the New Year when the majority of club dates are available and confirmed. Even if some dates appear on the system, PLEASE do not enter volunteering applications until informed that the system is ready for use. Dates and other information may change before the opening date, and the system needs to be “open” for data loading. Any volunteering received before the announced opening date may be ignored. Once the system is up and running, please apply as soon as you are sure of the date, as this will help the clubs in their preparations. Similarly, if you need to cancel let both the club and BMMC know immediately so changes can be made. In 2019, well over 1200 individual marshalling days were handled by the BMMC-SE Volunteering System, proof that it does work! Happy Volunteering, Bryan Degerlund.
Training – Tony Smith [email protected] In 2019 we trained a number of ‘new’ marshals who had previously attended one of the marshalling ‘Taster Days’. This basic session is a half-day event with the afternoon spent out on the bank putting their training into practice. Good feedback was received from those that took part. This training format will be repeated in 2020. Further good news is that BMMC Central Council had received a number of generous financial donations to be used for training purposes. As a result BMMC (SE) have taken possession of a new laptop with Power Point, a projector, a large portable screen, a set of race flags and a flip chart. This is the first time we have had our own regional equipment and will ensure that we are now self sufficient in regard to being able to deliver sessions. A significant
BMMC (SE) AUTUMN 2019 - Page 17 step forward. Our thanks must also be extended to MSV who provide invaluable support to our sessions held at Brands Hatch.
Media – Matt Dolan [email protected] E/mail contact addresses for SE committee members are shown above. Please remember all are volunteers and responses may not be instant, but we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible. If using a telephone contact, please have consideration for the timing of your call.
Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas..? BMMC branded ‘Teamwear’ products offer quality jackets, hoodies, fleeces, polo and t-shirts for only a very reasonable outlay. Support and promote your club and look good doing it !! For more information and to view the female, male and junior ranges, please click on the logo opposite.
Social Media The internet is a wonderful and useful tool. The immediacy of information sharing has undoubtably made most of our lives easier. Even in the world of marshalling, the numerous local, national and international Facebook groups make it straightforward to obtain information and to share comment, photos and opinion. But, with every upside there is usually a downside. It is easy to upload a comment in the heat of the moment which may have been best left unshared. Once that comment is in the public domain it is much harder to retrieve it and it could be reproduced in a forum the originator may not have intended it to be seen in.
Most of the clubs we volunteer for – MS (UK), MSVR, BARC etc have specific social media policies and offer guidance. The BMMC has a ‘Conduct of Members’ section within it’s club rules. As volunteers, or members, we are governed by these and if you have any doubt, please consult them. Let’s not allow the reputation of the marshalling community to be tainted by a throw away remark. Posting onto social media platforms may create a lot of ‘noise’, but is it necessarily the best way to resolve the matter.
As an alternative, consider the following routes : Your Post Chief on the day for any post related issues The organising club’s Chief Marshal for meeting issues (and/or the organising club itself) The Circuit Rep for circuit issues (e.g. Neil Stretton for Brands Hatch) Any of the BMMC (SE) committee members
Belgravia Classic Car Show To those members who have previously marshalled this event and/or any who were hoping to marshal at the event in 2020, please note that the organisers – the “96 Club” – have decided that the next BCCS will take place in 2021.
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Perhaps this explains a lot………
Click on the shield above to visit the BMMC (SE) web page
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