Endurance marshaling

[schrammy]

I'm after some guidance here people. After nearly 20 years on the bank I have finally bitten the bullet and am going to marshal the Ma5da 12 hr at Snet.
Firstly I presume you take enough food and drink to feed a small country ( or enough money to buy one ), I also presume ( doing that a lot ) that the amount of time you spend on post depends on the number of marshals there ?
I am hoping to do the whole 12 hrs ( wife dependant ! ) so I am after any useful tips anyone can give me ?

[Guinness2702]

Originally Posted by schrammy

so I am after any useful tips anyone can give me ?

Not much different to regular marshalling, but don't forget it will be dark. You probably won't have a torch in your regular kit, so remember to bring one.

Can't help you with rota though, I've done 6 hour and 24 hour races, but never 12. At the end of the day, it will probably depend on numbers. Make sure you have enough food and drink with you, in case you don't have much stand down time. (EDIT, oh, wait, you said that lol)

[Bodysnatcher]

here's the MSA rule on endurance racing as it applies to Marshals' rotas

11.1. Marshals must be relieved after six hours of
continuous racing, following which they should operate
in shifts of maximum four hours, with one shift on and
two off.

Despite the use of the word must, a lot of organisers prefer (?have to) to overlook this.
Endurance racing can be tiring, and your laudable aim to be trackside for the full 12hrs may not be the best thing you can do for your own wellbeing. Aim to get a couple of hours off post.
I'd be looking at 2 hours or more off over the 12. Depends a lot on the manning, but you will no doubt end up breaking the MSA ruling. As most of us that do endurance racing have done.

So 6 on, 2 off, 4 on appears to be within the MSA guidelines, just hope the Mazdas behave for those 2 hours

[Steven Humphrey]

The letter that came with the tickets today states that we won't be expected to be on post for the full 12 hrs & a minibus will be ferrying marshals to & from Tyrells restaurant. No idea if a rota will be done or we just decide on the day, depending on numbers.

As Guinness said, a torch is essential as some of the far flung posts will be pitch black. Take plenty of warm clothes as it will get very cold after dark. Layers you can gradually add are the best idea. And daft as it may seem, sunglasses can really reduce the glare from headlights at night, especially if it's wet. A hi viz jacket is also a must but I'm guessing vests will be handed out to those who don't have them.

If you enjoy it, I can whole heartedly recommend the Britcar 24hr at Silverstone - the best meeting of the year for a lot of marshals!

[Ian Briggs]

Go dig out the 24hr thread that should be down there \/\/\/ somewhere, lots of good advice, personally as well as enough cold/wet weather gear, someway of making hot drinks/food is up the list.

[White flag man]

Hi schrammy,
Welcome to the world of endurance racing.
Regarding the race and numbers on post, do we know if it is on the 300 or the 200 circuit? If it is on the 300, I think numbers on post could be quite small.
Equipment; As you may be short of numbers you may not get much of an official break. Therefore take a seat, or at least sit on something. As long as your alert you should see or hear if anything happens in your sector. You will probably have a radio, so you will hear what happens around the rest of the circuit.
Two flasks, plenty of snacks, torch (fresh batteries and make sure it works), a small portable radio (you should be able to tune into the commentary to inform you who is actually in the lead!) High vis clothing (in case you have to go trackside in the dark) plenty of warm/waterproof clothing especially wooly hat.
If you are given the chance to have a break, take it. Otherwise you will get tired, your concentration will go and mistakes will be made.
Keep safe and enjoy, next stop 2CV 24hrs!

[M Greenslade]

Bring back the Willhire 24 Hour Race, did every one!

Bladders........

[NotLordPercy]

Except when you were asleep in a nest of straw bales, or eating two greasy breakfasts or or lurking within..........
But we enjoyed those meetings with 4 hours on and 4 off ......and always returning to post "the rough way" of course!
Happy days.......

[schrammy]

Thanks for that guys, all very helpful. Perhaps I should have made myself clearer, I intend to be there for 12 hrs hopefully not on post for that time !

[blueoval2]

It is being held on the 300 circuit and as Steve mentioned some of the posts will be very dark and no lights in the thunder boxes, so a head torch is handy.

[The Fat Clerk]

You've all forgotten the most important thing you'll need - a sense of humour See you all there.

[Guinness2702]

Originally Posted by Bodysnatcher

11.1. Marshals must be relieved after six hours of
continuous racing, following which they should operate
in shifts of maximum four hours, with one shift on and
two off.

Somebody tell that to Terry (No, not Scannell, the other one).

On another note; if that was enforced, I wouldn't do endurance racing. I like the idea of being on post for more than 1/3rd of the race. My typical Britcar 24 goes roughly 8 on (day/supports), 8 on (24 start), 8 off (early morning), 8 on (through to the finish).

[andrewc]

How are the guys on the post that is in no-mans land, trapped between Palmer and Oggies going to get relieved? There isn't a portaloo there either.

Maybe they won't use that post - otherwise take a spade to construct an escape tunnel...

[Guinness2702]

Originally Posted by andrewc

How are the guys on the post that is in no-mans land, trapped between Palmer and Oggies going to get relieved? There isn't a portaloo there either.

Sure you can't walk around the inside of Richie's? There appears to be armco and at least walking room...

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/cars-motor...paul-hood.html

[schrammy]

Sure you can't walk around the inside of Richie's? There appears to be armco and at least walking room...



Yes you can

[Guinness2702]

Originally Posted by schrammy

Yes you can

Actually, I think I was thinking of the wrong post. Not sure now lol

[andrewc]

Unless you climb up on top of the concrete blocks that block off bits of the 200 circuit when the 300 circuit is in use, and exit towards Montreal and Williams corners, the only other way is to cross the circuit between sessions. The strip runs between Palmer and Oggies, not between Riches and Palmer. There is a flag point there, just after the apex for Palmer.

Us local trackside photographers have nicknamed that trench - Oggies Dyke.