| Age |
Over 21 (18 in mind but local authority have kindly provided a bus pass for the body) |
| Location |
|
| Job |
I retired from a job in IT in 1997. Have done some contract work since but it gets in the way of 750MC so I’ve stopped. |
| Favourite Formula and why? |
Anything that has large grids and close racing. Don’t like the ones where the driver who stops, just wanders off leaving us to do the valet parking bit. (F1, BTCC etc.) |
| Race driving experience |
Never raced apart from social karting where my weight makes for a sluggish start and then have to barge my way through later in the race. |
| How long and history with 750MC |
Started marshalling in 1971 with the 750MC. That was at the Esses at Snetterton which was very different then. I was happy supporting the 750MC as a marshal for many years until I was asked to do the Chief Marshals job in 1997. (That was the year I retired). Since then found myself filling all the vacancies so did Chief Paddock, Chief Start line, radio, telephone etc. I am a bit slow now so stick to radio and telephone after I have signed all the marshals on. |
| Other clubs you have worked for |
For most of the years I was out on the bank for most clubs (BARC, BRSCC, MGCC, BRDC, AMOC, SEMSEC) and also did some at Rallycross. Up until about 3 years ago I was doing about 25 days a year for 750MC are another 40 + for other clubs. Over the last 10 years I have added various other jobs for them as with 750MC including Chief Observer (driving the course car) for some BTCC meetings. As Chief for 750MC, I have also got involved in Formula Student, Shell eco marathon and the London to Brighton Veteran Run and am still Chief Marshal for these events. I also seem to get the job of sorting the allocation of marshals for the 24 hour 2CV race at Snetterton for BARC. |
| Favourite circuit and why |
I like the ones where you can see most of what’s going on so Mallory Park, Brands Hatch and Lydden. I also like my annual trip to Oulton Park for its sheer beauty. |
Best Meeting you have worked at and why |
I like them all but I suppose the Formula Student is favourite as all the competitors are new and willing to listen and learn and we are helping to develop skills that will provide the F1 engineers of tomorrow. |
| Outside interests |
Well, despite a lifetime of working hard in my job and involvement in marshalling, I managed to have 6 children who, in turn have provided 5 grandchildren. They now take a bit of my time. I am also the secretary of the pensioners association for my old company (a large insurance company) and Captain of the local Bridge Club. Until last year I was the Stage Manager for a local drama group doing up to 3 productions a year. |
| Why you just lurve Saxmax |
Several of the 750MC formulae over the years have satisfied a need in the motor racing world and we are able to see these develop from just a few cars to a successful formula. With SAXMAX we have the added benefit of seeing young driver (some fairly crude at the start of the season) develop quickly into proficient and mature competitors. Unlike the other series, we will always have a regular turnover of drivers and an ongoing development plan. It’s also good to see the clerks tearing their hair out at the first half of each year. |
| The Chief Marshals Job |
Starting at Christmas, I am recruiting marshals for all of our event the following year. An availability form is sent to all who have supported us over the last 5 years and various other avenues for volunteering are prepared. From then, I am continually updating out files with that information. We have over 2500 marshals on our database and each one receives a form. In any year over 900 individuals support us for 2400 attendances at our race meetings. That’s about 100 per race day. A few weeks before the meeting, I will send out tickets and instructions to each marshal. A week later I produce Observer notes, blank report forms and radio/telephone logs as well as sort out which marshals are doing which job and at what post. |