For Dan Smith, marshalling is a family affair which started on his 16^th birthday during which he went to Thruxton for an F3 event.

“I’d been spectating with my brother since I was two years old with my great uncle and grandad taking me to every event. They told me to go and see the Chief Marshal as he wanted to say Happy Birthday, that’s when he gave me a set of orange overalls and said you are no longer watching and told me to go see the Chief Paddock Marshal to work with him for the day. That was the start of my orange adventure!”

Dan has since progressed through the ranks, working in paddock, assembly, startline, incident, flags and even the occasional post chief.

“I’ve marshalled a range of motorsport events from karting, Hillclimb, Rally but mainly Race meetings. I don’t have a favourite role I just enjoy being part of the orange family.”

Dan now runs the Goodwood Paddocks at both the Revival and Members Meeting as Chief Paddock Marshal and is also Chief Assembly at Festival of Speed.

“As I enter my 19^th year in orange, I have no plans to stop and now my kids are growing up I’m hoping to squeeze a few more events in throughout the year.”

Keen to get started? Find out how to begin your motorsport journey here