Sportscars (split from GP thread)

[Justin Moran]

Just realised that I wont be accepting my invitation to the GP if Im selected, its too close to the ELMS at Donington. Real racing wins every time Im afraid!

[chezza]

Originally Posted by C9/89

Just realised that I wont be accepting my invitation to the GP if Im selected, its too close to the ELMS at Donington. Real racing wins every time Im afraid!

Personally I wouldn't say that was real racing either, but theres just something about the GP.

[Justin Moran]

I didnt mean to start a war! Marmite aside, love the stuff, and Daves aversion to any race over twenty minutes, I would have done the GP but I have to prioritise and budget accordingly. My personal preference is endurance and getting close to the cars as and when I want not when some one says I can. The open and friendly manner in which these International meetings are run is why I do them.
Have fun at the GP and I hope the weather is kinder to you all this year!

[Woolley]

ELMS endurance = good, IMO. Unfortunately Donington have tended in the past to feel endurance applies to the marshals as well. It was the equivalent of this meeting some years ago that caused me to send my passes back, never to return, when faced with a timetable that last 38 hours over 3 days with no breaks during the days. I may risk one day...

GP, on the other hand, no thanks.

[Justin Moran]

I tend to plan for little down time when I plan for a trip to Donington, but they aint the only place to "go long" on time, Silverstone has its moments as will any circuit with a late or no curfew.
But I love the race so Im prepared to put myself out for a meeting I love.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by C9/89

Daves aversion to any race over twenty minutes,

I do, however, make an exception for NASCAR!

[Justin Moran]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

I do, however, make an exception for NASCAR!

You're weird.

[M Greenslade]

Originally Posted by C9/89

I tend to plan for little down time when I plan for a trip to Donington, but they aint the only place to "go long" on time, Silverstone has its moments as will any circuit with a late or no curfew.
But I love the race so Im prepared to put myself out for a meeting I love.

Late or no curfews is precisely the reason I have not marshalled at Donington for over 5 years and will never ever go back, they have taken the p-ss once to often......

Bladders.....

[Justin Moran]

Its an opportunity to see sportscars into the evening, I'll take it.

[Woolley]

However, I've diverted us off topic - sorry. Hand it back to those who will be going to the GP.

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by C9/89

You're weird.

So, you got a problem with that?

[Greem]

Originally Posted by M Greenslade

Late or no curfews is precisely the reason I have not marshalled at Donington for over 5 years and will never ever go back, they have taken the p-ss once to often......

That would be the clubs using the circuit rather than the circuit itself, right? Because the circuit doesn't run the meetings; although it has the licence and the extended hours, which is why the clubs go there.

[chezza]

Thats precisely it Greem

[The Fat Clerk]

One of the reasons the clubs run meetings into the night is because of the cost of hiring Donny in relation to other circuits. They need to get the extra money from extra entrants to cover the cost.

[SouthportFC Fan]

Originally Posted by C9/89

Its an opportunity to see sportscars into the evening, I'll take it.

Marshal at Le Mans, see sports cars in the evening and only be on duty for 8 hours in 24. Simple.

[Justin Moran]

Originally Posted by SouthportFC Fan

Marshal at Le Mans, see sports cars in the evening and only be on duty for 8 hours in 24. Simple.

Would love to! Cost and holidays prohibit that.

Dave, no I dont, its what makes you who you are.

And my apologies to those going to the GP, I never meant to hijack the thread.

[Woolley]

Now split, so talk as much sportscar marshalling as you like.

[AndyT]

Originally Posted by SouthportFC Fan

Marshal at Le Mans, see sports cars in the evening and only be on duty for 8 hours in 24. Simple.

How do you volunteer / get invited to do Le Mans. Going this year to spectate, 1st time i've paid to see a race this century

[theracegypsy]

Andy - First have an MSA grade above trainee, then apply via the MSA to get permission to marshal abroad, include the tick box for Le Mans. You can do it online at www.msauk.org/
If I recall, it's in the changes screen. MSA will then inform ACO who in turn will send you a letter or e:mail with a registration password. The registration is now on line from 20th Jan for this year's race.

It is always advisable to team up with someone who as done it before. The Chef de Poste has the final say on who he will accept, and a reference from a Brit marshal who is already on his post is always good.

As with any marshalling abroad, be prepared for it to be different, when in Rome is a good motto.
l

[Mike Kelly 1]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

I do, however, make an exception for NASCAR!

NASCAR is like watching the M25!

For a real endurance race (with more than 55 cars!) then the Nurburgring 24 hours is THE race. Lowest grid i've seen in the last 8 years has been 215 cars!

[Justin Moran]

Originally Posted by Woolley

Now split, so talk as much sportscar marshalling as you like.

Thanks Woolley, makes much sense.
Le Mans = Real cars, real racing, just now with less added Peugeot.

[Woolley]

Well, you wouldn't want the French involved in what is essentially a British branch of the sport.

Hmmm, think there might be a flaw in that argument somewhere.

[rbs]

You could go to Le Mans for the Classic as well, it's the same weekend as the GP so no clash of interest there.

[numbersix]

For foreign events, how do you manage the language barrier? Is it true that the German organisers of the 'ring use more English than the French do at Le Mans?

The USA is probably less of a problem provided you don't ask someone for a fag in between races ...

[alan-g]

For foreign events, how do you manage the language barrier?


Speak loudly................in English of course!