Would you like a better view of motorsport action — lapping, sports car races, NASCAR, even Formula 1 — than any spectator at the track? Being a flag marshal is the way to do it. Here’s how.
At ProFormance and Pacific Raceways, the flag marshals are always on duty, ensuring that everything runs in a professional and safe manner. Recently, we highlighted what flag marshals do at ProFormance. It’s an important job, but here’s something you might not know: its a job within reach of most enthusiastic motorsport fans.
Spectators don’t always notice flag marshals, but the drivers depend on them every minute of the race or lapping session. These people exchange comments in plain English on their radios, and then translate them into the language of the trackside: the red, black, and yellow flags that tell drivers what they need to know.
The marshals are the ones keeping cars running and drivers safe at ProFormance and Pacific Raceways. If you’re a race fan, you might be a good candidate for this vital position. In fact, being a race fan is the main qualification!
The second best seat in the house
One of ProFormance’s long-time turn marshals, Tim, calls his job “the second best seat in the house.” “The only better place to be is in the driver’s seat,” he says. From the turn station, marshals can monitor traffic, note the speed of the cars, and get a better sense of the whole track flow than the regular spectator, because their colleagues keep them informed of what’s going on at every turn.
More important, the flag marshals perform crucial tasks. “Don [ProFormance Chief Instructor Don Kitch, Jr.] has a lot on his plate,” says Tim. “There are things I can do to make things easier for him: watching the time, keeping the groups together, and controlling the communications at all the corners.” Over the years he’s developed the abilty to keep a mental picture of the entire track in his mind during a race or lapping session. That helps him foresee problems before they affect the drivers.
Making concerns known
The task of the flag marshals is to report information that will keep everyone aware of what’s happening on the track. During lapping Tim might lift his radio and say, “Grey BMW #72 is off line at Turn 9…” The other marshals will keep an eye on Grey BMW #72 to determine whether it was a one-off or a sign that the driver needs a word. “Everyone’s on the same page now,” he says. “That’s communication.”
Safety is paramount
“Nobody wants to make junk,” says Tim. “Nobody comes out here with their street car wanting to bump into other cars.” Flag marshals make sure it doesn’t happen, monitoring drivers during lapping sessions and race licensing events. If one of them is driving in a manner that’s aggressive, inattentive or otherwise unsafe, the black flag goes out and they’re brought in for some coaching.
Keeping an eye on the road
During races, the vigilance is stepped up. “In a race, you can have two or three incidents at the same time, at different parts of the track, and they all need different things. That’s where track control really shines. You might be coordinating a cleanup, or bringing out fire or medical, and just when that happens, another issue presents itself.
The path to the marshal’s turn station
Like a lot of racing fans, Tim has always loved motorsport, but didn’t have the funding to start a racing career. “I thought, how can I get close to racing?” The answer was to move up into the turn station. When he’s not dealing with the incidents described above, Tim terms it “watching cars go by.” If that appeals to you, you can do it too.
“If your love of cars and motorsport draws you to the track, show up early at an IRDC, SCCA, or SOVREN event. “Just say you want to help. They’ll put you where they need you.”
There are many positions that volunteers can fill with varying amounts of experience: scorning, administration, timing, track control, or tech.”
Donna Porada-Kitch, ProFormance Chief Administrator, adds some requirements: “You have to be committed, because the drivers depend on you. Their safety is in your hands. Also, at times you have to brave the elements. But the most important thing is you have to love racing.”
Going all the way
Once you get in the circle of track volunteers, you might find yourself expanding your role. “With a year or so, you can probably end up working NASCAR or a Portland Indycar race.” Keep at it, Tim says, and you’ll meet the people who could place you trackside at a Formula 1 race. And it’s not all volunteer: there are paid opportunities too.
To get started, Tim says, show up first day, an hour before the race, and show your interest. Wear white for visibility. “I guarantee they’ll open their arms and take you in.”