MARSHALS’ The newsletter of the South East Region of the British P OST Marshals Club SUMMER 2020 SPRING 2020 Chairman’s Thoughts

“Uppity, Nigger!” Not my words, I hasten to add, but they’re the words of Willy T. Ribbs recalling much of the abuse he received whilst racing in the Trans Am series in the States in the autobiographical film “Uppity” - one of many films I have watched, courtesy of Netflix during the first few weeks of the lockdown. Willy T. was, as far as I know, the first black racing driver in the UK. Probably, like me (if you’re of a sufficient vintage) you’ll vaguely remember his arrival on the UK racing scene back in the 1970’s. He won 6 of his 11 races for Scorpion Racing in the 1977 Townsend Thorensen F.F. Championship (sorry, Bob, there goes one of your potential quiz questions) and was crowned Champion. He then disappeared and I, along with others, thought that that was that…’flash in the pan’ stuff. In fact, not having enough £££ to move up to F3, Willy returned to the States and that’s where his story becomes fascinating. I’ll say no more. If you haven’t seen this film, I think it’s a “must”. Real “Roy of the Rovers” stuff! Why do I mention the above?.....I confess to not having been attracted to watching virtual racing on my computer but, unusually for me, I did seek a reconnection with normality by watching several films of a more documentary nature about motor racing….and pretty damned good watching they were, too. “Drive to Survive”, “A Life of Speed -Fangio”, “The 24 Hour War” and so on. My withdrawal symptoms became much less severe. I’ve also recently had recommended to me, by none other than George Copeland, “Yellow,Yellow, Yellow, but it’s only on , which I don’t have....yet!”

Also keeping me from going “stir crazy”, during the past few weeks, has been contacting the region’s 2019 Award Winners. Our awards are usually presented at one of the Marshals’ Training Days, at the beginning of the year, but none of our award winners were at this year’s events. The other option was to present the appropriate trophies to the winners at one of the early race meetings of 2020. Well, we all know what happened then! Fortunately, a few years ago, the SE Committee decided that SE award recipients should receive small keepsake trophies which, unlike the main trophies, could be kept permanently as a reminder of the recognition they had received from their marshalling colleagues. I have posted these to our winners. If you want to find out more about our regional awards please visit the “Awards” page of the BMMC (SE Region) website. (click on “Awards” to visit the page) Just to remind everyone, our 2019 award winners were: John Davallou Trophy: Martin Purnell Marshal of the Year: Steve Wilton Trainee Marshal of the Year: Bradley Lee Their individual citations can now be viewed on the BMMC (SE) website News page. (click on “News” to visit the page) You will hopefully be aware, from recent announcements, that Tony Lacey and Andrew Elliott are now our BMMC Representatives at and Lydden Hill, respectively. May I also point out that if you visit the SE region’s website page on www.marshals.co.uk and head to our “News” page, you will find their regular reports on matters at each of those circuits. Furthermore, if you fancy marshalling at Snetterton, you can find out even more by going to www.snettertonmarshals.co.uk - It’s a very informative site, and well worth visiting.

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Finally, just a mention that as I write, Andrew Elliott informs me that Paul Buckland has been released from hospital, following having contracted coronavirus. I understand that he was pretty rough for a while, but is now recovering back at home. I know you will join with me in wishing Paul all the best, whilst looking forward to his company at the track once racing returns, later in the year. Wishing all SE Region members a safe passage through this pandemic, and hoping that what remains of the 2020 motor racing season is both enjoyable and safe for everyone.

As I send these “Thoughts” to our Editor, the news of ’s death was announced. What a life! His was a household name, particularly at the time he was racing. His era of racing was when I first became interested in motor racing, although I must admit in a time rather reminiscent of “Rolling Stones vs Beatles”, I was a fan rather than a Moss fan. Nevertheless, the story went that if a driver was stopped by the police for speeding, they never asked: “Who do you think you are? Mike Hawthorn?” No, never, it was always “Stirling Moss?” Priceless memories! R.I.P. Stirling! (My own photo of Stirling racing at 1987 – Ed.) Neil Stretton - Chairman: BMMC (SE Region) - [email protected]

LOST COLLEAGUES Fred Raven Sadly, Fred Raven passed away in April; a victim of the Coronavirus pandemic. Fred had, in recent years been a Post Chief and had previously been a Flag Marshal for many years. He hadn’t been too well for a while, and he’s been in a care home for the previous 18 months. I don’t think he’d been marshalling for 3-4 years. Whether or not he was still a BMMC member doesn’t matter, he was still “one of us”. Fred was one of “The Class of 46”…there’s quite a few of us “Baby Boomers” still around! From memory, I first met Fred in the 1970s at , where he was a regular flag marshal. In more recent years he came abroad on at least one “SAGA LOUT” trip to marshal at the Toyota (Champ Cars), and I also recall flagging with him at The Corkscrew, Laguna Seca, at a “Regionals” race meeting. He also came with me in 2010 to marshal at the Canadian Grand Prix.

I don’t pretend to have known Fred particularly well, but anyone who spend 11 hours with him on a Trans-Atlantic flight soon knew everything there was to know about his wife’s cats - Nicky ran (or still runs) a cattery, I believe. Given more time with Fred, you soon learnt the rudimentaries of sewage…or let’s call it water supply (his work was with East Anglian Water). Fred told me he had been married THREE times….and whilst he remained discreet about his personal life, there was a certain glint in his eye, as much as to say: “Beat that!”

To his wife, Nicky, may I extend my sincerer condolences, on behalf of all at BMMC (SE Region).

Roger Stebbing Also sad to report, is the passing of Roger Stebbing, a result of bone cancer. I didn’t know him, but Mildred Wiltshire informs me that he was a long-time Judge for both BRSCC and MSVR. I’m not sure if he was a BMMC member, but as I’ve previously commented, that’s hardly important when you consider he was still very much a volunteer on whom our hobby depends. If any reader knows more about Roger, we’ll be pleased to give him more column inches in our Autumn issue.

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And Another Thing… (An Editorial)

Well, I’m not going to dwell on the bleeding obvious. As much as we enjoy our sport, sometimes other things are a bit more important. Suffice to say I’m sure we have all endured many disappointments and possible hardships since we last connected, so I extend my best wishes to everyone.

With the ever-changing landscape around us at the moment, things might well have altered between the compilation of this edition and it landing on your p.c. or doorstep, so apologies if that is the case. Other more instant social networking platforms will no doubt keep you up-to-date with the most recent news and instructions.

With no live sport to attend, like many of you no doubt, I’ve had time to do a bit of spring cleaning. Rummaging through old race programmes and magazines has brought back so many rose-tinted memories! In the last edition I included an article on my own start in marshalling at Ingliston circuit, near Edinburgh.

Amongst my dust covered collection I came across a few reminders of ‘different’ (old normal?) days. I don’t recall getting to sign my programme (on my first circuit marshalling day !!) but I do remember our marshal post team halting David Essex on his ’parade’ lap (one of the stranger meeting sponsors?) to get a photo! (that’s probably a ‘selfie’ now…)

I also mentioned hunting for the image of Doug Niven crashing the fearsome Border Reivers Ford Escort Special Saloon into the toilet block at Ingliston… Well I found that too ! A lucky escape for some spectators that day…

Now I know marshals like getting stuff for nothing. How? Well, I’m a marshal too and I like free stuff, even if it’s just our breakfast…

Which is why I’m all the more puzzled that I appear to be unable to give goodies away through the newsletter! I had Cataclean as a generous quiz sponsor, I’ve sourced all sorts of hats, t-shirts, books, mugs, signed items, lanyards, team shirts, memorabilia, keyrings etc. In this publication I’ve tried long quizzes, short quizzes, caption competitions, photo competitions, even announced that if you see me at a meeting and produce your membership card I’ll happily give you something (I delivered 1 hat !)

For our last ‘One Question Quiz’ I set a target of only 25 entries (5% of our newsletter email recipients)… That number unfortunately wasn’t reached, so no prize was awarded – but ‘Thank You’ to those who did reply! The correct answer to the photo question was: The first lap accident at the Brands Hatch British F1 Grand Prix was in 1984.

In this edition I’ll have one more go… Perhaps some of us currently have a little bit more time on our hands, so I’m offering a chance to use that time constructively! On page 12 I will be giving away an excellent motorsport book to 3 lucky winners. All you have to do to is follow the instructions and you could get your hands on something for nothing !! Easy !!

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Ever wanted to try something different to circuit marshalling and didn’t know who to contact ? Well here is your chance.. Look to the bottom of this page for some information on autotests, sprints, trials and rally options from Willie Williams !! He’s waiting to hear from you…

As always, I’m happy to receive your comments, feedback, stories or photos to include in future issues. Let me know you are out there… I’ll be back here in August. Hopefully we will have caught up somewhere racy before then. Enjoy the issue !

Take good care. Bob McEwan – Newsletter Editor [email protected]

GRADING MATTERS

Due to the current unprecedented situation, a number of you may be concerned about being able to attend suitable training and/or sufficient events this year to maintain the Marshal grades you currently hold. Motorsport UK have stated that they “… would like to reassure the Marshal community that their current Marshal grades will not be affected, should they not be able to meet their grade maintenance requirements in 2020.” There will be updates on the criteria for 2020 released, and as soon as this information is available it will be passed on.

Any grading applications should be sent electronically (scanned copies of PRC and Motorsport UK application forms) to your Regional grading Officer for processing until further notice. Please do not send items in the post at this time.

Fairly obviously, Motorsport UK are currently in the same situation as the rest of the country. As such, any upgrades or new members applications that have been sent to them recently will only be processed once things get back to normal and they return to Motorsport UK House. Please bear with them as they work through the backlog. All new members have been added to the BMMC database and should now have access to the volunteering system.

As ever, Stay Safe!!

Rob Mugurian BMMC NW Regional Grading Officer BMMC National Grading Officer

MARSHALING ‘OTHER’ MOTORSPORT DISCIPLINES

May I start by introducing myself. Glyn Williams is the name, but most people know me as ‘Willie’.

I have been in orange on the bank since 1981, mostly as a Flaggie, but many of you may not know that I am also both the Chief Marshal of Sevenoaks & District and Competition Secretary of North West Motor Clubs (*click on shield opposite to visit the S&DMC website). One of my responsibilities is covering marshal duties at about 20 events per year, ranging from auto-tests, auto-solos, trials, sprints, road and stage rallies. The tests and solos are mostly held at Brands Hatch, either out on the old airfield, lower paddock or rally stage one. Other venues that are used are never that far away, except for sprints at North Weald and the Motorsport at the Palace event (Crystal Palace). I have also included below a list of our S&DMC scheduled events for the remainder of the year, but obviously these are all currently subject to review, depending on the latest guidance around the pandemic.

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It has been a strange year to say the least so far, but as events start to happen I will be on the prowl for Marshals. If you wish I can put you on the list to be informed of future events. If you then want to volunteer just drop me a reply. It is that simple! Any required training will be completed on the day, but I try to ‘buddy’ anybody new.

MUK registration is only required for sprints or rallies, but talk to me first if that presents a problem. If catering is available there will usually be a meal ticket on offer and other freebies turn up from time to time. If you enjoy the events, SDMC run a powerpoint scheme at 5 pounds a day (a bit like the BARC stamps).

If any of this has whetted your appetite to try something different, or you just want to talk about it with no commitment, then feel free to contact me by email: [email protected] or by telephone on 01622 715018.. As I do prefer a chat!

S&DMC scheduled events June 11th Evening Autotest Brands Hatch (Thursday Round 2 (Awaiting Advice) June 21st North Weald Sprint - Co Promoted with B19 MC (Cancelled) June 28th Jim Bate Car Trial Chapmans Hill, Meopham. (Sunday) July 11th Lydden Sprint (Saturday) Co-Pro with B19/T-Wells/MMKMC July 16th Evening Grass Autotest Brands Hatch (Thursday Round 3) August 13th Evening Grass Autotest Brands Hatch (Thursday Round 4) August 27th Grass Autotest Brands Hatch (Thursday Round 5) September 27th Autotest Final Brands Hatch (Sunday Round 6) October 3rd Goodwood Sprint (Saturday) Co-Pro with Tunbridge Wells November 13th - 12 Car Rally. (Friday) November 29th Autosolo Tarmac &Rally Stage Brands Hatch. December 3rd Scatter Rally (Thursday). December 4th (Friday) Brands Hatch Track Day Social

OUR MAN FROM LYDDEN – Andrew Elliott

As a child I was a regular visitor to Lydden Hill for and Motorcross in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Dad used to take us kids in the car to the circuit. I also used to watch the highlights on BBC1 with the Murray Walker commentary before Final Score. I wasn’t into the wrestling on ITV with Mick McManus and Big Daddy. Little did I know that some 50 years later I would end up being Chief Marshal there. I have always loved motorsport, Rallycross, F1 and Touring Cars were my favourites, but as a marshal I started very late and wish now that I had become involved a lot sooner.

Brands Hatch is where I did most of my early marshalling and training and it became my home circuit. Late in 2016 I decided to pack in my career in Financial Services and having served my very generous notice at my office in Croydon, retired at the end of April 2017 and shorty after that sold up and moved back down to East Kent to be near to my elderly mother (93), my sister and her family. I now live just 6 minutes from Lydden Hill. I haven’t marshalled at Brands since October 2018, so the peanut cases on post 7 and 22 are not down to me!! I hope to return there for some meets this year.

I did marshal at the British F1 Grand Prix from 2014 to 2018, but having also marshalled at Spa for F1 3 times, I know which circuit I prefer. I think it is important that marshals should sample the bigger events and form their own opinions and not be put off by the comments of others. F1 is however no longer my cup of tea. My wish to marshal abroad continues with visits in addition to Zandvoort, Spa WEC, Spa 24hr, Le Mans 24hr and the Malta Grand Prix. I’m not sure what the future holds but with the circuit improvements at Lydden just given the go ahead by Dover District Council and the return of British Rallycross to it ancestral home, Lydden Hill could remain my home circuit. BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 5

I am your BMMC rep at Lydden Hill, so if you have any queries about the circuit in the heart of the Garden of then please drop me an email at: [email protected]

If you wish to marshal then Clare Dummott is the marshals’ coordinator for LHMC events at Lydden. Please email [email protected] with your grade and experience.

OUR MAN FROM SNETT - Tony Lacey

Tony Lacey Catches Up With Snetterton’s Taster Day Supremo. During this current lock down situation, we can still keep in touch with our colleagues via various technologies, so it was great for me to catch up with my colleague and fellow Snett marshal Paul Bardwell (PB) to ask him a few questions about his marshalling career.

TL: Hi! Tell me what your grade is and what you do at Snetterton. PB: Hello Tony. My current MSUK grade is IO so I’ve spent most of my time on the bank and I also conduct the taster days at Snett.

TL: How did you first get interested in marshalling? PB: Like most marshals I am a life long motorsport fan and had been spectating for years. My dad first got me started. He used to take me and my sister to a local stock car track which got me hooked and we started going to Snetterton, Silverstone and Brands to watch all different forms of racing and thought I wanted to get more involved but how? I’m definitely no mechanic; haven't the money, or probably the talent to drive, so started marshalling!

TL: Tell me about some of your favourite meetings. PB: Favourite meetings? My first F1 in 2007 was memorable, terrific atmosphere. I was at Woodcote on the old circuit with cars coming past me at over 180mph! I was in the pig pen - the bit between the track and pit lane entrance - the noise was incredible. But I've marshalled some very good club events the 24hr 2007 the year “” took part, I was at Stowe and we recovered the Mosler that Richard Hammond managed to hit!

TL: Incidents? PB: I’ve had a few incidents over the years. Car fires are, thankfully, pretty rare these days, but back in 2017 I had two fires at the same circuit, on the same corner, on two separate occasions! At the start of the year I had Kevin Estre in his Porsche in the WEC and then in September I had Dam Cammish in his Porsche in a BTCC support race.

TL: I know, like most marshals, you enjoy being a spectator, what have been some of the memorable meetings? PB: The most memorable meeting for me has to be the Daytona 500 in 2017 unbelievable event and spectacle, but Le Mans in 2018 was a great meeting to attend. I do the Goodwood FOS every year, not so much for the cars going up the hill which is great, but the cars you get to see on display. Every type of car and bike you can think off and very little in way of restrictions, so you can walk round and get really up close and personal with the machines we see racing during the season. One of my absolute favourites as a spectator is the Silverstone classic - terrific meeting to attend and some superb racing of every kind.

TL: What do you like about Snett?

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PB: I like Snett firstly, it's my local and only 45 minute drive, plus, it's a fast circuit with many of the posts pretty close to the track so you can really appreciate the speed and racing skill.

TL: It’s frustrating at the moment sitting at home with overalls at the ready. What’s the first thing you’ll do when we get back to racing? PB: First thing I'll do once we get back racing is……well, after a superb Snetterton breakfast, I'm looking forward to starting my training as a startline/ pitlane specialist marshal, after 18 years on the bank I am trying something new.

TL: What do you find enjoyable about marshalling? PB: One of the most enjoyable aspects of marshalling is meeting other marshals and just enjoying the whole experience. I have a couple of marshalling mates who go to other circuits with our wives, who are now friends, so when we go marshalling they unfortunately go shopping. We also enjoy nights out and meals out together.

TL: You organise the Taster Days at Snett. What is the one piece of advice you give to potential new recruits? PB: As far as advice for anyone starting marshalling, it's an old cliché, but just enjoy it! Do a mixture of meetings and find out what you enjoy most. If you can, travel to other circuits and meet new people so much the better. It’s a great hobby and everyone is there to help you.

TL: Thanks Paul. Lets hope it’s not too long before we’re back at Snett enjoying the breakfast….oh, and the racing of course! PB: Ha! Yes mate, looking forward to it! ------I’m now the BMMC rep at Snetterton, so if you’re a regular, or new to the circuit and have any questions or issues, then please drop me a mail at: [email protected] I would love to hear from you. You might be considering coming to Snetterton and need some local info either about the area or circuit procedures, or if you are one of the regulars, what improvements would you like to see? If you prefer to chat, drop me a line with your contact details and we can catch up at a future meeting. Find Snetterton Marshals on Social Media: Facebook.com/Snettmarshals : @SnettMarshals Instagram: snettmarshals The new dedicated Snetterton Marshals website is now live with lots of info, interviews and much more. www.snettertonmarshals.co.uk

BMMC / DAS – COUNSELLING SERVICE

The BMMC has joined with DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company to provide members with access to a confidential 24 hour counselling service helpline. Contact Number : 0117 934 0105 BMMC Policy Number : 100580442CCI

Please click on the image for full information of the services provided.

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WHAT’S ON TRACK ?

CHECK THE WEBSITES FOR OUR LOCAL CIRCUITS / EVENTS / INFO

www.brandshatch.co.uk www.snetterton.co.uk

www.lyddenhill.co.uk www.snettertonmarshals.co.uk

www.gomotorsport.net www.itsmymotorsport.co.uk

www.brmc.org.uk www.motorsportuk.org

*Click on image to visit the website

Know your Cars? Just for a bit of fun… Two for you in this issue… Answers on page 17 No peeking !!

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Plus Ça Change….. I will suggest this extended time away from ‘normal’ life and hobbies has provided the ideal set of circumstances to have a think…(a dangerous start then!) We read daily of how this global event will most likely significantly alter many of our routines and socialising for some time to come. It certainly puts into question what might in the future be considered normal and perhaps has unwittingly delivered a platform for change.. For good? At the time of writing, even within our own sport of choice, there are ideas being contemplated (and implemented) which, only a couple of short months ago, would have been considered outrageous – Back to back F1 Grands Prix at the same circuit, midweek races, Le Mans in the autumn, races without fans, F1 teams manufacturing respirators, watching online sim races, ‘customer’ F1 cars etc.. I know these are not in the most part life changing or world saving issues, but it shows how fertile imaginations may need to be in many aspects of our future world.

In the last 4 decades, there have been enormous strides made towards the safety of competitors and as an indirect consequence, some of this has benefitted marshals. I now recall, with some alarm, what I considered ‘safe’ when I began my marshalling journey at Ingliston circuit - Run-offs…? Literally a few feet, Gravel traps…? Not yet invented, Catch fencing…? (see gravel traps), Armco…? Yes, but no tyre walls (well some around the bigger trees) and not very high, Training…? Limited. You see what I mean. Consider the photo below, taken by me during practice for the 1986 British F1 Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Johnny Dumfries in his Renault-turbo powered JPS Lotus 98T plunges into Paddock Hill bend after approaching it at some absurd pace… For those of you familiar with that part of the circuit now - Spot the differences ?

In this period, cars in all categories have undoubtably been made ever safer with the introduction of carbon fibre composite materials and numerous other, constantly evolving regulations. Alterations to circuits have created a much safer racing environment. Advancements in driver helmet and fireproof clothing technologies (near bullet proof visors for example – if you don’t know the story of Red Bull’s Helmut Marko then look it up…) combined with the introduction of the HANS device, have moved driver safety forward significantly.

Where am I going with all this…? I’ve also been marshalling for over 40 years which I suggest is certainly long enough to have gained sufficient experience and knowledge to allow me to deliver an opinion, composed with the benefit of both hindsight (a great thing!) and forward thinking, particularly in our current situation. I have long accepted that as volunteers, race meeting organisers can use, or not use, us as they require. We are not guaranteed to be selected to attend, get a lunchbreak (or breakfast), park where we want (and on tarmac), be able to plug ourselves into the mains (‘cos others

BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 9 can), or have everything perfect underfoot. We form part of the ‘machine’ that delivers a meeting. Important? ‘Yes’, but still only a part. Just maybe the ‘machine’ could work with fewer parts. Examine photo above again. Consider the changes I’ve previously mentioned. But what about us? Our own personal protection hasn’t really moved forward at the same pace – if at all (yes I’ve banged this drum before). We still stand around in groups, clad in various shades of orange, mostly waiting for something to happen. Surprisingly there are no regulations or standards to govern what we should wear, other than some ‘good advice’. Strange in a sport that it awash with specifications and safety related ‘sell by’ dates. Maybe we are also working to the wrong 'formula’. It’s mostly about numbers isn’t it? I obviously see the need to recruit to maintain a level of support, but how often do we hear complaints about too few marshals (regularly?) or even too many (BTCC anyone?). How do we find the ‘sweet spot’? Could it be we should now consider a radical approach to the numbers problem if the current system has perhaps run its course and staff racing a bit smarter. It’s not considering change for change sake, but an evolution to efficiently meet the needs of race meeting organisers in what conceivably may be a very different working environment. Social media platforms are currently awash with frustrated marshals who are missing their track activities. They question how we could safely cover meetings, particularly the larger events. Mostly these comments consider the current staffing method. Perhaps then the blunt answer to their question is – ‘We can’t’.

Other countries can find effective marshalling cover with far fewer bodies on the bank. As long as communications, flag (or signalling and more of that later) and if required an initial response can be covered, by an I.O. and one or two track marshals, why do we need more? If further support is needed, then this is provided by response vehicles (rescue units or similar) which is what effectively happens now anyway. This is not to be misunderstood as a criticism, but there must be many marshals who regularly attend events and go home having not dealt with an incident. (Grand Prix meeting anyone?) I appreciate there is much more to marshalling than just the physical work, but as mentioned, having significant numbers of people standing not too far from fast moving vehicles (just in case) could be considered an outdated practice.

While we’re at it, let’s also consider the ‘signalling’ element of our role. It’s the 21st century. Why are we still waving flags? The intervention of mother nature in the form of wind and rain or the continuous physical effort required if flagging ‘solo’, to name a few, must play havoc with the ability to effectively communicate with competitors. As a flaggie myself, I’m a supporter of the use of lights. Easy to use, instant, bright and no variation as a result of any of the above flag related issues. I would advocate the reversal of the current regulations (lights to be supported by flags). Now before anyone hops onto their lofty nag, I fully understand the location of lights at Brands are set up for midweek track use and not for racing, but that’s a local issue. One marshal to cover the signalling needs on a post. No need to stand close to the barrier whilst operating the system. Safer. Better?

No-one yet knows what restrictions, or changes, this pandemic will make to the way we support our sport. I agree that if something isn’t broken then why fix it, but as mentioned at the start of this article, perhaps it’s an opportunity (perhaps a necessity?) to embrace a bit of change. As for the article title - I refer you to the last 4o years…

F1 Start-Line and Pits Marshalling – Some anecdotes from the past 35 years. Bryan Degerlund - Examining Specialist and Start line Judge

I started track marshalling in 1961, going through flagging and assistant observer grades, mainly for BARC at Brands Hatch, Thruxton and Crystal Palace. I changed to Pit-lane and Start-line marshalling in 1984 and have carried out the role at GP events at Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Donington, Zolder and the first F1 races at both Austin (USA) and Abu Dhabi. I was also a GP Track Marshal at Spa, Zolder and in . From 1986 I have acted as British GP Chief or Assistant Chief Start-line Marshal combined with covering the Pit Marshals.

Here are a few non-racing anecdotes from the period, particularly from working in the pit-lane. At the Austrian GP a group of Brands Hatch marshals were in attendance. We had intended going to the first Hungarian GP as well but that all fell through at the last minute. We were camping in the circuit on the hill over- BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 10 looking the back straight. On the previous evening we walked down to the Pits and were talking to Bob Dance and Anne Bradshaw of Lotus. Up came the Austrian Security and demanded our passes. Most of them were circuit only passes, so the security demanded we move on. Bob Dance told them we were guests of Lotus and we were entitled to be in his pit area “so move on, guys”, which they did, reluctantly.

The Lotus mechanics were staying in a “Gasthaus” which was located further back in the campsite. We went up there for a beer or two and got talking to them. At they had been given some local blackcurrent liqueur and there had been a misunderstanding of the quantity – they thought they were getting a dozen bottles, but it was a dozen cases of twelve bottles that had turned up. So, we helped them get rid of some of the bottles… One result of the evening in the bar was a Lotus mechanics, who was wearing shorts, found one of the other mechanics had placed a small cactus plant on his chair as he sat down. Ouch!! At the same meeting I was watching the Lotus mechanics doing tyre changing practice, pushing the car into position before changing the tyres, whilst being timed. I noticed I was standing next to , who was also watching with interest. As the car was pushed back for the third run, Ayrton disappeared across to the pit garage where the spare wheels were stacked in front of the air bottles. As the car was being pushed back the tyre changers gave a quick test of their air-guns and took up position. The car arrived and was quickly lifted on the jacks. The guns were applied and then “pssst”, the guns stopped with no air. Everyone stopped, looking round confused, tried their guns again, everything was working OK. The car was pushed back for another attempt. The same thing happened with the air-guns!! One of the mechanics looked up and saw a grinning Ayrton standing in front of the garage, through which Ayrton then made a rapid retreat, chased by a number of mechanics. Ayrton had managed to turn the air bottles off before quickly turning them back on. Who said Ayrton did not have a sense of humour? One of the big problems with pit marshalling is preventing smoking in the pit-lane and garages. With a lot of fuel around, this is not the best environment! Luckily, most people, drivers and teams, will extinguish cigarettes as soon as you approach, often without being asked and with a smiling apology.

However, there are occasional exceptions... Again in the Lotus pit, at Brands Hatch, a “hanger-on” was smoking in the garage doorway. I politely asked him to put the cigarette out but he ignored me so I repeated the request. With a ”don’t you know who I am ?” attitude, he replied “Jacque Lafitte is always smoking.” So I replied “Yes, and he is enough of a gentleman to immediately stop smoking and apologise.” The Hanger-on’s friends found my response most amusing, to his embarrassment! He kept out of my way for the rest of the weekend. I’ve attached a couple of snaps to show some changes over the years. These were taken when I was a sponsor’s guest of F1 team ATS. Note the 80’s ‘hospitality’ area and driver Manfred Winkelhock trying out his office for size.

What’s it worth mister…? More rummaging through long forgotten boxes during my recent ‘social distancing’ has unearthed ever more thought-provoking finds…

Back in 1978 I visited Brands Hatch for the first time to watch my first F1 Grand Prix. I was never a great supporter of the front of the grid teams. You could keep your , , Tyrrells, and Ligiers (remember some of them..?) No, I liked the blunt end of the grid. In the days when a ‘privateer’ could still make the race on a good day. Buy a chassis, bolt on a DFV and you were part way there. My interest lay amongst (McLaren M26), Arturo (Merzario), Hector (Lotus) and the like. Disappointingly, as there were 31 cars entered for this race, the unique Martini of Rene Arnoux did not even get into the meeting. BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 11

Anyway, I digress… In one of my treasure boxes, I recovered all my programmes, autographs (Hunt, Fittipaldi, , Brambilla etc..) tickets and stickers from the event and also both the editions of ‘Autosport’ magazine published prior to and after the race. Whilst looking through the pages I came across an interesting advertisement in the classified section. Now imagine the following scenario today… For Sale - Formula 1 car (rolling chassis, so only requires an engine to complete) - A Grand Prix Race Winning chassis type less than two years previously ( Sept 1976 with ). I agree it couldn’t happen today, but if it did the cost would, no doubt, be eye watering. Well, in July of ‘78 a March 761 (choice of two) from Alderley Motor Company would set you back less than £4k (Around £20k at today’s values).

Although advertised as a Peterson car, references show 761/2 to have been mostly driven in it’s 19 GP career by Hans Stuck Jnr, with a best GP finish twice of 4th (Incl. at Monaco) Looking at the multi six- figure sums that these machines exchange for now, hindsight is a great thing…

FREE BOOKS !!!

I have 3 different motorsport themed books to give away in a lucky draw. No quiz to be completed. No caption to think up. Just follow the instructions below and sit back ! The books are: 1. Tales from the Toolbox (Unique collection of behind the scenes stories and anecdotes from former GP mechanics) 2. The Unknown Kimi Raikkonen (First and last authorised book on the F1 champ) 3. – My View from the Pitwall - Peter Warr (The memoires of Chapman’s right hand man in 70’s & 80’s)

To be in the draw - Send your name, along with your BMMC membership number and full postal address, by email and using ‘BMMC SE BOOK DRAW’ as the subject line to: [email protected] If you have a preference for one of the books just add 1, 2 or 3 as above on your entry. Or enter by post to: BMMC (SE) Newsletter, 10 Rowan Way, Canewdon, Rochford, Essex, SS4 3PD. All entries close at midnight on Friday 03 July 2020. One entry only per member please. Three prizes as described are available. Winners will be drawn at random by BMMC (SE) chair or nominated deputy from all entries received by closing date. Editors decision is final!

BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 12

BMMC (SE) Committee Updates

Click on the shield opposite to take you to the BMMC (SE) committee website page.

Membership – Liam Johnston [email protected]

Did you know? You can check and amend your contact details yourself? You can select which regional newsletters you want to receive? Go to https://www.marshals.co.uk/ - Login then select Volunteering and log in again. Or, go directly to https://www.marshals.co.uk/volunteering/ and log in. In the top right you will see your name. Next to this is an orange ‘head and shoulders silhouette’. Click on this and it will take you to your ‘settings’ page. Scroll down and you will see four sections: Membership Status – displays your status, membership type, number and MSA number. Account Settings – displays your contact details. You can make any amendments here. Password settings – you can change this if you want to. Newsletter settings – you can see what you currently receive and select what you’d like to receive.

Grading – Andy Bumstead [email protected] Grading officer in isolation!! Well what a year 2020 is turning out to be! We had all attended our regional training days and had set your sights on upgrading during the first few months of the season and someone catches a cold in China and all hell breaks loose!! First of all I hope that you all are well and your families are safe with you at home isolating. For those still at work on the front line such as nurses, carers or any other profession, thank you for doing what you do. PRC use As a reminder to those of you wondering what the little white booklet is for, the PRC is there to collate your attendance of days you have volunteered at a circuit near you for upgrading or maintaining grade only. Please make sure your PRC is correctly completed as incorrect completion causes frustration for referral of upgrade and me a headache!! PRC continuation sheets are to be used once you have met the requirements for upgrade or maintenance of grade. Please only use the section in the PRC for the grade you are seeking or maintaining. Signatures can only be gained for sanctioned MSUK registered events and you must not use a rally attendance for your track upgrade. For those that attend other circuits outside of the UK these can be recorded on a PRC continuation sheet. Please remember 3 simple steps 1. Attend race days and collect signature for one duty only completed and complete the required amount of days as highlighted in the PRC in the top left corner or as per the maintenance of grade. 2. Complete your training day(s) required 3. Complete an “On post” assessment(s) as required and record in the correct place in the PRC. For KASE information please go to the MSA website (marshals tab).

Applying for upgrade assessments When we come out of lockdown it may be busy for those seeking an upgrade so please remember to book early and liaise with any chief marshal or marshals secretary. When you want to upgrade you must request to the organising club that you need an on “post assessment” so they can plan who to put you with and that there are sufficient examining post chiefs. Please do not be disappointed if they cannot accommodate your request at short notice. When checking if you have met the requirements for upgrade you need to check the following: • You must complete your event attendance and training module upgrade criteria before you are assessed. • You must have attended a training day and completed the necessary modules for upgrade within the last two years • You must have gained your event attendance signatures within the last three years. BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 13

• If you have marshalled abroad, these event attendance signatures cannot be used towards your upgrade with Motorsport UK. • If you have attended an FIA sanctioned event abroad, your event signature can be used towards your grade maintenance requirements only Further details can be found under marshals resources FAQ: https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/001-Marshal-Upgrade-FAQ.pdf

So hopefully we should all be able to get out towards the end of the year but how different are we going to view our sport and the marshals we work with? Should you require any answers to grading questions whether a new marshal or old, Please contact me on the numbers below - but above all stay safe. Keep in your PRC wallet. Upgrade process • Collect the required number 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. Only MSUK permitted events are eligible for upgrade signature. • 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 current year marshal registration form (MRF) and mark at the top “UPGRADE”. https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2020-Marshal-Registration-Form.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: Andy Bumstead - [email protected] or [email protected] Mob. 07802 652556 / 3 Savoy Road, Dartford Kent DA1 5AN.

Recruitment – Rosemary Beck [email protected] With marshal recruitment and Taster Days in limbo for the moment, it is a good time to reflect upon what drew us into the incredible world of marshalling and what keeps us going, not only during the racing season but now in this unprecedented period of lockdown.

The initial draw is undoubtedly the love of cars and motorsport. Having no friends or family with the same interest, I often used to watch racing on television and wish to be right there experiencing it for myself. My own Taster Day was a wonderful insight into that experience which still does not fail to deliver. All our senses are woken up – from the sight of glorious cars, old and new, big and small; the thrilling sounds, from the scream of historic F1 to the deep velvet rumble of the Bentley GTs; the pungent smell of petrol fumes and burnt rubber; and the sheer physical sensation and exhilaration of cars racing by as we stand trackside.

However, my Taster Day gave me another more unexpected insight – that of the camaraderie and teamwork which is the glue that binds us together. On my Taster Day I was immediately made to feel welcome and part of the team, enjoying the banter and stories, but seeing the underlying and essential foundation of skills and experience which we all start to share in and contribute to, as our own personal journey progresses.

So, lockdown has brought a halt to the multi-sensory experience of being trackside – the nearest we can get is to watch the virtual Grands Prix from around the world, replays of BTCC, or ‘live streaming’ of past events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

But, deeper than that, lockdown has meant for some a feeling of loneliness and an excess of time at weekends when we should have been marshalling. However, the camaraderie and friendship continues on, thanks to modern BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 14 technology and social media – Facebook, Zoom, texts and emails have been vital in maintaining that connection. For those that might be needing more help in this time of uncertainty (or indeed at any time) the BMMC offer a counselling service – See page 7 for more information.

Like everyone, I am looking forward to the racing season resuming in some shape or form. The timing of when we can start to run Taster Days will be a matter for discussion, but as soon as it is deemed safe. I know that we will all be eager to welcome a brand new set of potential marshals so that they can experience for themselves not only the incredible feeling of being trackside at a motorsport event, but more importantly, the wonderful sense of belonging to the unique family that is the Orange Army.

Rally – Graham Vince [email protected] The South East area rally training day at Maidstone scheduled for Saturday 25 October 2020 Has been cancelled. Any news relating to re-arranged dates will be posted on the BRMC website (see address below). 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] IMPORTANT ADVICE: Please do not apply using more than one system to volunteer for a meeting. Times (sign-on, race times ) on the VS are mainly “ generic “, based on previous data. Any change for a specific meeting will be advised when known. You must advise organising Chief Marshal directly if you can no longer attend a meeting as well as cancelling on the BMMC system. Ensure your email address is valid. For MSV circuits (Brands Hatch and Snetterton ) digital ticketing is normally used with tickets sent directly by email from MSV. Non receipt should be addressed to the organising club, directly (not through Facebook!) with time allowed to correct. NOT as late as two days prior to the meeting. Special requests should be made by email to the CM, e.g. upgrade assessment, marshalling on post with colleague etc. as it might be too busy at sign-on to help. To visit the BMMC website Volunteering Information page click here

Training – Tony Smith [email protected] The MSUK has confirmed that if you did not attend your biennial marshal training session, required to maintain your grade, this will be fine for 2020 We know that in the past a number of marshals have been down-graded for not attending their required training, but that will not happen this year. (see Rob Mugurian - BMMC National Grading Officer’s comments on page 4 Just make sure you attend in 2021. Fortunately, many hundreds did complete their training before lockdown, but Lydden unfortunately had to cancel their planned session.

Regalia – Chris Humphreys [email protected] 2020 BMMC subsidy for overalls is now £86.50! Instructions on how to order BMMC-sponsored overalls can be found at: https://www.marshals.co.uk/regalia/ What else is available across the ranges ? There are: Caps and hats, all sorts of badges & stickers, T shirts, hoodies, polo shirts, fleece jackets, gloves and more !! The BMMC branded Teamwear and Hi-Viz clothing can be ordered from Best Workwear by calling: 08454 656665 and quoting “BMMC Teamwear”. These items are not subsidised, but offer excellent value for money. The Teamwear collection now also includes BRMC items and a ‘Junior’ Range.

NEW!! BMMC Team Umbrellas @ £10.00 + £4.00 p&p. Perfect for the summer season !! To purchase any items or to ask any ‘regalia’ questions, contact Chris.

BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 15

Media – Matt Dolan [email protected]

BMMC (South East Region) Facebook group was set-up in February 2019 and we currently have 352 members. The group is open to both BMMC members and non-members. Please remember if posting comments on any Facebook or other public platform, that you comply with the relevant social media policies. Once comments have been uploaded, they may be copied and re-posted onto sites not originally intended and are then almost impossible to remove. As the Motorsport UK guidance stipulates: “Participants are strictly responsible for any posting on their accounts” – “Deleting or apologising publicly for an improper posting does not prevent disciplinary action being taken”. Clubs can also be liable for third party comments and postings made in their website forums or on their Facebook pages. That is why all posts submitted to our group page are vetted by a BMMC (SE) Committee member prior to publication, to ensure they are appropriate to the aims of the group.

SNETTERTON CIRCUIT MATTERS – Tony Lacey [email protected] Paul Bardwell and Ricky Hawkins were awarded Crew of the Year at February’s BRSCC awards dinner, recognising their efforts during 2019 towards the recruitment of new marshals. Website - The new dedicated Snetterton marshals web site is now up and running. www.snettertonmarshals.co.uk Circuit Matters - NTR

LYDDEN HILL CIRCUIT MATTERS – Andrew Elliott [email protected]

Thank you - I would like to thank the Chairman and members of the Committee for accepting me as a member and as the Lydden Hill Circuit representative.

Rallycross Winter Series - The last Rallycross Winter Series 2019/20 on Saturday 14th March saw attendance by 30 Marshals including Start line and Assembly. An excellent attendance for Lydden Hill. 50 entrants made for an action- packed day on the circuit.

Chief Marshal - It has been confirmed that my duties as Chief Marshal at Lydden circuit continues for 2020, including the British Rallycross Season.

Lydden Hill - Owner Pat Doran and his team at Lydden Hill have welcomed the fact that the BMMC SE Committee now includes a Lydden Hill representative, as this will increase the profile of the circuit.

If you wish to marshal at Lydden Hill Circuit, Clare Dummott is the marshals’ coordinator for LHMC events. Please email: [email protected] with your grade and experience.

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.

You May Have Missed

It’s been a while now since we last saw an F1 Grand Prix, but even longer since F1 held a race with a full grid of 26 starters. Monaco in 1995 to be exact – 25 years ago !! If we consider last years race at the same venue, the difference between and last place (20th) was around 3.5 seconds. In ’95 the gap between ’s Williams at the front of the grid (Williams were on 19th and 20th places on the grid in 2019!) and Taki Inoue’s Footwork was a whopping 9.5 seconds !! And yes, this was the meeting where Taki’s car was hit by a ‘safety car’ during practice… A quick look down the entry list also reminds us how few teams have lasted the distance (at least under their own name). Only , McLaren and

BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 16

Williams will be immediately recognisable and it will be a certain vintage of enthusiast who may recall Pacific, or .

Every motorsport enthusiast will immediately recognise the iconic colour scheme below.

The sponsored by the blue and orange of has been copied many times and remains one of racing’s best-known liveries. I found out recently that Gulf are also now the Official Global Oil Lubricant and Fuel Retail Partner of Manchester United… No, I don’t know what that means either… Maybe just buy them a ball?

If like me you like your racing statistics or interesting facts, then Reynard Motorsport make for interesting reading. Originally founded in 1973 by Adrian Reynard as Sabre Automotive Ltd, Reynard acquired an enviable reputation as a manufacturer who won their first race in a number of different categories, from 1600 in 1973 to Indy Car in 1994!! In between, this run included FF2000, Formula 3, and . Remarkable!

Know your Cars – Answers

Koenigsegg Gemara – The 2021, 4 seater hypercar from Sweden. To be powered by a 2 litre, 3 cylinder in-line, twin turbo engine delivering 600 bhp! It’s not a Volvo…

BMMC (SE) SUMMER 2020 - Page 17

F1 E21 – Based on a March 721 chassis, this 1972 one season wonder was named after its German owner’s caravan manufacturing company ! Driven by to a best race result of 10th. And we think the ‘halo’ gets in the way…

I WILL LEAVE THE LAST WORD TO OUR COLLEAGUES AT HRDC

Any views expressed are those of the author and not, unless otherwise stated, those of the BMMC.

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