September date brings new challenges and opportunities for Wales Rally GB marshals - 16-19 September 2004
Recognising the new challenges of this year’s Wales Rally GB, the event organisers have stepped up the benefits to attract the marshals and volunteers needed to make the event run smoothly and safely. “Wales Rally GB would not be possible without the fantastic support of the marshals and volunteers”, confirmed Claire Parker, Sporting Manager. “And this year presents us with new challenges to ensure that we make it as easy, and appealing, as possible to attract the marshals we need.
“We believe that Wales Rally GB is not to be missed. But to make it even more appealing to marshals and volunteers we have introduced a number of new initiatives for 2004.”
Key marshal initiatives from Wales Rally GB for 2004
A unique ‘Rally Village’ With a continuing goal to provide the best possible facilities for marshals a new Rally Village is being created for 2004, in partnership with Official Travel Partner, Kuoni. Located at Pontypridd, just 20 minutes drive from Cardiff, the Rally Village is being designed for the serious rally enthusiast, with exclusive access for rally attendees only, self-catering facilities, en-suite accommodation in private single rooms, on-site catering, convenience store and cashpoint and a ‘Village Office’ to provide daily stage updates.
Competition for Wales Rally GB Marshals - Repeating the enormously successful competition launched in 2003, the name of every marshal who volunteering for 3 days or more for Wales Rally GB will go into a prize draw for the chance of an all expenses paid trip to one of the European rounds in next year’s World Rally Championship.
New route gives more chances for Marshals to be involved - The route for Wales Rally GB has been designed with the marshals and volunteers in mind. With an extra stage in Epynt, Powys, there are now 19 stages, giving some of the seasoned volunteers the chance to marshal a new location. Nearly all of the stages will be run twice giving the marshals more rally action at each location.
A comprehensive training programme - Training remains a focus for Wales Rally GB with Ian Howells running a series of training sessions around the regions over the summer months.
“The 2003 Wales Rally GB finished on a high with commendations from the FIA Safety Delegate on several aspects of the marshalling and spectator safety”, concluded Claire Parker. “We want the marshals and volunteers to realise that by being part of Wales Rally GB, they are part of an organisation that is gaining recognition worldwide. In addition, we are working hard to create more reasons for people to sign up as marshals and more news on these initiatives will be announced later this month.”
If you are MSA registered and think you have what it takes to be a marshal at Wales Rally GB this September visit www.walesrallygb.com or contact one of the staffing officers, Peter Whiting, peterroywhiting@aol.com, 01297 444174 or Marie Du Croq-Slip, marie_walesrallygb@hotmail.com, 02920 234700.
