Marshalling in America

[PapaJuliet]

Hi Keke, thanks for your reply,

That sounds like a brilliant idea ... A1GP then Champ Cars. What could be better?

I own shares in Justin Wilson and will be visiting Mexico (along with some other share holders) in a couple of weeks for the final of this season. Previous share holders trips this year (not me though) have been to Toronto and another one (possibly Edmonton). Justin always seems to do well when we are there - we must be a good omen. I "met" one of the other people going on the trip at Brands Hatch at the A1GP but because everything was so busy, all we managed was me standing trackside on the start/finish straight and her on the spectator bank (~10 feet higher) and a shouted introduction.

I have been over to USA for motor-racing holidays in previous years and try to have two consecutive weekends (1999 = Milwauke Mile plus Canadian GP, 2002 (ish) = Miami Champ Cars + Nascars at Charlotte) but this will be this first time marshalling (this is my first full year). I can't wait already! Now I just have to consult the bank balance and make plans.

Sent you a PM.

PJ

[Stoowert]

If you can stand the wait, keep Long Beach on hold until 2007. Neil Stretton and I will be taking another bunch of Brands nere-do-wells over then. The tie-up with the AIGP sounds a great idea. Don't forget to drive highway 1 down the cost from Carmel to Santa Barbara. If you can't wait, PM me and I'll send details of contacts, Chiefs etc. You wont regret a thing...Trustme, I'm a marshal...

[racerkeke]

Stoo, does this mean we won't see your smiling face at the Yard House in April? I'm devastated. No wait, that means there's more "adult beverages" for the rest of us...

PapaJuliet, I'll send you a PM with the info for SFR as soon as I have a minute. And don't worry if you decide to come to the Beach by yourself. We'll make sure you have a good time (read "corrupt you with our colonial ways"). You'll get to meet some North American 10-10thers, and maybe a few other Brits who we've managed to win over to the the Dark Side (Racegypsy, are you listening?).

keke

[blueflagger]

Oh sure. I've just been calling that place "the Left Coast" and now I find I've really been going to the Dark Side every April?

[Rich D]

Well, it is the Dark side at this time of the morning!

[racerkeke]

Blueflagger, you already know how seductive the concept of working a race in shirtsleeves and sunblock in April can be. Never mind the free breakfast donuts, the Thursday night party, the Friday night party, the Saturday night party, the Sunday night party, the worker prizes, and so on... The poor girl might never go home.

keke (already dreaming of Long Beach)

[PapaJuliet]

As I said to Stoowert by PM, I've only been marshalling for one year so I want to do EVERYTHING!!! NOW!!!

Thanks to everybody for offers of help, encouragement and welcoming words. I'm sure I can manage to go to one or two parties, if you insist...

I will make plans and report back

Cheers

PJ

[theracegypsy]

Originally Posted by PapaJuliet

As I said to Stoowert by PM, I've only been marshalling for one year so I want to do EVERYTHING!!! NOW!!!


PJ

Calm down PapaJ, do it like I do and work a new track over there every year. I've been working North America since 1972, and still find somewhere new every year.

Don't worry Keke, I still get back for the good old ones. My name is already on the list for A1, and of course the hotel is booked for Long Beach. Just hoping Blueflagger can make it too.

As interest, although I have always had an MSA letter of introduction, I have never in all that time been asked to show it, though most places will ask to see your grading card ( licence) at registration/sign-on.

[JohnD]

All,
I know this isn't strictly relevant, but I'm unconvinced about the MSA's good intent, after trying to 'transfer' a driver in the opposite direction.
An American friend, SCCA driver in a car the same as my championship here, was visiting the UK. He wanted a race or two with us while he was here, had a willing Race Sec. and could borrow a car, but the MSA was totally obstructive, making amazing suggestions to enable it. "Surrender the US licence and attend ARDS course" was one. Change the series Regulations, that must specificly allow foreign competitors, was another.

When I asked an MSA executive why this was so, I was told that it was FIA pressure and concern that drivers in another country might not be familiar with the standards and services available at a foreign circuit. No, I didn't understand either.

John

[Stoowert]

You put the left coast in, left coast out...
No, I'm off to Sebring this year. As Long Beach and Sebring fall resonably close, I can't do both so I alternate. Plus I've got some US friends who don't get on with my chums at Long Beach. They do Sebring! Problem solved...I think. I know every year I miss Long Beach, I really miss it. Mind you, the same goes for Sebring. Now if I could just win the lottery...

[theracegypsy]

Originally Posted by Stoowert

You put the left coast in, left coast out...
No, I'm off to Sebring this year. As Long Beach and Sebring fall resonably close, I can't do both so I alternate. ............. Mind you, the same goes for Sebring. Now if I could just win the lottery...

Please give my regards to Lacerat at Sebring, Stoo. I will be at Laguna for A1 in '06.

Blueflagger, if you are at lake Wobegon and are going down hill to California surely the coast is on the right! Certain the plane captain saw it that way the last time I flew down from the Land of Lakes.

[blueflagger]

Originally Posted by theracegypsy

Blueflagger, if you are at lake Wobegon and are going down hill to California surely the coast is on the right! Certain the plane captain saw it that way the last time I flew down from the Land of Lakes.

Well, it's to the left when looking at a map of the continent as well as when looking at a political map of the US.