A couple of peeps have mentioned the lack of training for marshals. I know in the past at the start of the 12th Nationals season Jim Spencer has taken the first couple of heats aside and gives them a 2 min instruction/reminder of a few marshalling pointers. I found it really useful when I started 12th as the cars were like rats on acid and could come round ridiculously quick – it wasn’t rocket science but it did make you think a bit.
They were simple things like putting yourself in a safe position to marshal the cars first and where to put cars down – difficult to explain in words but very easy for an experienced driver to show at a track. Any club could do that in 2 minutes after the drivers briefing.
In DC’s example, the marshal made an error of judgement – he did not have time to marshal the 2nd place car before DC came round. My view is pretty clear that circulating cars have priority. The fact that he marshalled DC last was an innocent mistake as he did not know he had kicked the car in the first place.
However annoying it was for DC at the time at least the marshal was attentive!! Eating/chatting on your mobile/smoking/wandering over slowly to cars to tap them over with the toe of your shoe does not make you look cool – it makes you look selfish and inconsiderate. I know this sort of thing tends to get clamped down on more at bigger events but it happens week in, week out at club meetings where our younger drivers learn their behaviour.
Rob
|