Training day puts volunteers close to action

MARSHALL THE TROOPS: Race organisers are calling for volunteers to take action stations at Manfeild this Sunday.PHOTO/FILE

Manfeild race track will be set aside on Sunday for motorsport fans keen to get up close and personal with the action.

Marshals - the volunteers who wave flags, help with recovery of crashed or disabled vehicles, work out the grid positions or undertake a myriad of other behind-the-scenes activities - are vital to motor racing at the Feilding venue.

Race organisers and calling for volunteers to be trained in these tasks. Without them, competition would simply not take place, Manawatu Car Club secretary Jeff Braid said.

"Motorsport is an exciting sport and anyone can participate, but that doesn't necessarily mean getting behind the wheel at every opportunity," he said.

"For some, the rush also comes from just being there on-hand to take an active role from track side."

Learning about this side of the sport is what next Sunday is all about. It is a training day for those old hands who need to sharpen up on the latest requirements and also for absolute newbies who want to leave the spectator areas and gain an entry into the sport at a more hands-on level.

Braid said there was always a need for fresh recruits.

"We are eager to have more people involved in the organising and running of race events at Manfeild.

"The Club runs multiple events throughout the year, from the popular Winter Race Series to the NZ Grand Prix (February 14-15). All of these require considerable manpower and we are keen to recruit new people to our team of volunteers.

"If you want to be close to the action on the track, then become part of the flag marshal team. You will be responsible for signalling important messages from race control to the race drivers using the various flags."

It's an essential task that keeps competitors and marshals safe. Marshals are stationed in protected flag points close to the track edge and in constant radio contact with a chief flag marshal.

There are other ways to get close to the racing field.

"As a grid marshal you get to see every race car that goes out to compete at close quarters. It will be your task to line the cars up on in correct order on the dummy grid before they go out on the track."

Rescue crews are the ultimate specialists.

"They are ready to respond to assist with recovering cars from off-track excursions and rescuing the driver if necessary.

"This is a more specialised activity and requires a reasonable level of fitness and a clear knowledge of fire-fighting, rescue techniques and first-aid procedures. Recovery teams remove immobile or damaged vehicles and clear the track. They assist ambulance officers when called on."

Volunteers also participate in timekeeping, race control, race car scrutineering and even catering for all the volunteers.

"If you have the skills, we are interested."

Next Sunday's training day is a great opportunity to see something of what's involved. And it will have a fun element.

"We will be practising fire-extinguisher handling, rescue techniques, vehicle recovery and flag marshalling, with specific emphasis on what might be required at the NZGP."

The sessions are open to anyone aged 16 or over. Those interested can call Braid on 027 477 3337 or be at the Manawatu Car Club clubrooms, 120 Kawakawa Rd, at 8.30am on Sunday.