The Race Officials Division of ICSCC is
responsible for organizing, training and licensing of responsible
individuals to act as Officials and Marshals at all racing events held
under Conference sanction. Its
primary goal is to provide the safest possible conditions for
the holding of competition events by ensuring that properly trained
and experienced personnel conduct and marshal all racing meets
sanctioned by the Conference.
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Race Marshals, sometimes called corner
workers or turnworkers, are essential to motor sports. Events
simply cannot go on without them. They are volunteers who are
passionate about our sport. Some marshals get involved with the
intention of ending up in the driver's seat, while others are happiest
in a turn station, just a few feet from the
action, an integral part of the race.
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These dedicated volunteers are always glad to welcome new
enthusiasts. If you'd like to join them, or just learn more about what they do,
contacts are listed at left. If you prefer, come out to any ICSCC event
and ask any official how to get involved: you'll be made very welcome!
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Formal training sessions are offered
periodically, and new volunteers are also trained by experienced
marshals during race and driver training events. Many of those
who gain their experience and skill at ICSCC races also go on to
provide vital support to events such as Champ Car in Vancouver and
Portland (and beyond), and even F1 races. The large grids and
intense competition of amateur racing make it an excellent training
ground. (These same things also lead many marshals to declare
that amateur racing is actually more fun and more challenging!)
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Whether you attend a training session or
just come out on a regular race weekend you will learn what the racing flags
mean and how they are used, about hand signals, how to use a radio, how to push a formula
car, how to write an incident report, how to use grease sweep, what to do in case of
fire... and you can also learn about the proper racing line, correct
apexes, weight transfer, race strategy, car handling, rain racing, and
a multitude of other things, from the experienced and knowledgeable
people in white who make racing possible.
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There is no requirement to belong to any
organization if you wish to volunteer trackside. Minimum age for
ICSCC marshals in 'hot' areas is 18, though younger people often
assist in Timing & Scoring, Tech Inspection, Registration, etc..
Many race marshals in the Pacific Northwest belong to the
Motorsport
Emergency & Turnworkers' Association (META), which is based in
the Lower Mainland of B.C. but has members internationally.
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Pit Stewards and Marshals
Scorers
Timers
Tech Inspectors
Crowd Control Personnel
Registrars
Race Chairmen and related exec. personnel
Mobile Emergency Personnel
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What to bring? The costs of becoming a race marshal are
minimal, the more so as you will quickly find friends to stay with
when you travel, and the hosting club often provides some of your
food. There are a few things you will need: rain gear and good
shoes, plenty of sunscreen and a hat, a small cooler with lots of
water or other healthy drinks and snacks, a reliable whistle, insect
repellent and layers of clothes for any weather. In time you may
add other things such as mechanic's gloves, a belt for a radio, a good
pair of snips, a small fire extinguisher, perhaps a stopwatch.
Marshals dress in white so that drivers will be able to see them
clearly and won't mistake them for a flag. Always dress in
layers so you can stay comfortable through a long day in a climate
that can be unpredictable.
