This #FIAVolunteersOfficialsMonth we catch up with Russell Stubbs, a keen biker and motorsport fan who started taking his son to motorsport events soon after he was born.

“At all the events we went to, I became more aware of the marshals and the work they carried out to keep the races going. While we were watching an F1 race on the sofa one afternoon, a thought occurred to me that rather than sitting watching these races, it would be great to be involved, and the marshals play such a key part of the meetings.

“I looked up marshalling online and ended up at the BRSCC site and found some really useful information about marshalling and how to get involved. We got in touch via the contact information and myself and my son were then booked in for a taster day at Snetterton. In the Assembly Area we were given a clipboard and put to work, signing in the cars and drivers as they turned up and sending them over to the correct parking spot. Everyone we met were very friendly and informative, and we thoroughly enjoyed the day. It felt like we were given a real feel of what it would be like to work as an official at a race track.

“My next step was a BRSCC training day on a cold blustery day in January, again at Snetterton. This involved a timetable of different disciplines and I started off on an actual marshal post with other marshals of varying experience. Cars and drivers from different teams and series had very kindly volunteered to provide some moving cars on track (albeit not racing as such), so that the marshals could practice flag and incident procedures and techniques.

“Over the next few weeks I applied for my Motorsport UK Marshal Registration. After investigating many of the various clubs and associations relating to motorsport and marshalling, I also joined the BMMC. This opened up a lot of advice about marshalling in general, training information and news on upcoming events.

“During the taster day I was given a form to fill in my availability for race meetings for 2025 so I knew my first ‘proper’ marshalling event would be an MSVR – Enduro KA 12hr on a Saturday in March at Snetterton.

“Since then I’ve attended six more meetings, all at Snetterton and haven’t worked the same post twice. I now have my orange overalls and equipped myself with the many other items required for a full day at the track in whatever the weather wants to throw at me. It’s a long day marshalling at a race meeting, starting early and you need to be prepared to spend the whole day there. It can be tiring at times, you need to hold your concentration and pay attention to what’s going on. A lot can happen in the blink of an eye. Personally, I feel all of this is very rewarding, and I enjoy being a part of the marshalling team and providing a key service to the races.

“I’ve got a plan to progress through the marshalling levels, but at my own pace, which is what the process allows, so that’s great. Do as much as you like at your own speed. I’ve got family and work to balance with marshalling so I can’t do every weekend, as much as I’d like to! Eventually I’d love to get to marshal at some of the big events such as F1and Goodwood, but for now I’m happy to get some more meetings under my belt and build my skills and confidence until I feel ready for those.

“All in all, I’ve had a great time beginning my marshalling journey so far, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes me.”

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