More than 700 members of the public have put forward their names to become motor sport marshals in the UK, thanks to a focused recruitment drive among the crowds at Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship race meetings.
The British Motorsport Marshals Club (BMMC) has attracted 743 prospective volunteers from the season’s first five BTCC meetings, at Brands Hatch, Rockingham, Thruxton, Croft and Oulton Park.
All put forward their names as part of a BTCC/BMMC initiative, in conjunction with the enthusiastic group of volunteers known as ‘Team Wilson’. Within the BTCC paddock – which draws huge crowds – they have been handing out literature on marshalling and chatting to interested parties.
At Oulton Park last weekend, a staggering 217 prospective new volunteers came forward.
BTCC Series Director Alan Gow comments: “The BTCC cares tremendously about the need to attract new volunteers into our sport, at all levels. Without them, motor sport events simply would not happen.
“We are proud to both assist the sport and to encourage Team Wilson/BMMC by continuing to allow them to use our resources and popularity. Certainly, the BTCC paddock is a hive of activity among the public during race day and I’m delighted by the excellent response that this recruitment drive has already attracted.
“Thanks must also go to the individual circuits who have very generously offered the access and the prominent positioning of sites which is required to bolster Team Wilson’s and the BMMC’s efforts.
“I’m confident that the recruitment drive will go from strength to strength during the second half of the BTCC season – and with marshals having the ‘best seat in the house’ there is no better way for a motor sport enthusiast to become more closely involved with his or her sport.”
Race day enthusiasts interested in becoming a volunteer can visit the Team Wilson/BMMC stand at any of the remaining five BTCC meetings in 2007. Dates include: Donington Park (Leicestershire), 14-15 July; Snetterton (Norfolk), 28-29 July; Brands Hatch (Kent), 18-19 August; Knockhill (Fife), 1-2 September; Thruxton (Hampshire), 13-14 October.
