No N/A Crew

Lawrence Fowler / George Cooke

With the replacement of the existing rally safety radio system being a prominent discussion topic in the rally related discussion forums on the internet, Lawrence decided to investigate further. Arrangements via email with the organisers of the Wyedean Stages Rally would find George and Lawrence in the forest of Dean on Saturday 8th February.

We met Chris and Gary ("Summit 6") at signing on for SS2 at a predetermined map reference. We were assigned to post 22 (out of 30) on the 10.37 mile Speech House stage, the first proper forest stage following the 0.93 mile racecourse stage. The journey along the forest track to our designated post was a good excuse for Lawrence to engage 4-wheel-drive and get some mud up the side of the Frontera.

Post 22 was at an open 90 left, following a 90 right - nothing too exceptional but for the approach and exit straights. Chris parked the radio car (a standard production hatch-back) behind the stage tape at the junction, with the other marshals cars parked in file behind. Introductions were made over the welcome flask of coffee and numerous chocolate bars that now appear to accompany Lawrence at each event. George and Gary got togged up for their duties in the open, whilst Chris and Lawrence settled into the luxury of the radio car and arranged radio's, clipboards, spare pens and various items of paperwork.

During the radio check, Chris made a note on the maps of the location of each radio call sign - this would be used to work out where the incidents were by the crews reporting them. Our radio worked fine (or should that be "five"), being able to communicate clearly with "mission control" and being able to hear most of the other operators.

Mission Control announced the first car was about to start. Chris passed this information onto Gary who then informed the other eight or so marshals in our area. Once the first few cars have come through, you get an idea of the lines the cars are taking and the condition of the track surface - this in turn allows the marshals to fine tune their arrangement of spectators and stage furniture.

It wasn't long before our marshals had a little action; a Subaru (can't recall the number) spun out at the 90 right and stalled - the marshals pushed the car to a safe area. Chris was soon on the radio calling mission control to advise that car nn had stopped at post 22, crew ok, car safe. Mission control acknowledged our transmission. This short message would also allow other radio crews to note that car nn would not be passing their location and they therefore should not worry when it does not appeared as expected.

After about eight cars had passed us by, the Subaru was repaired and ready to go. The marshals ensured the track was safe for it to join and off it went. Once again, Chris was on the radio advising that car nn was now competitive.

A little later on, an escort came through, a little slow, with a puncture - Chris was back on the radio. Car nn rear off-side puncture, competing at reduced speed. This sort of message is useful as it give the next radio point prior warning that this car might not get to them, as it might have to stop to change the tyre. If it does stop, marshals would be sent from the two adjacent radio points to locate the car and ensure the safety of the crew, spectators and following cars.

Once the stage was closed, we all moved onto SS9 - post 9 (of 34) on the 8.5 mile "Serridge" stage. Once again we parked up safely, this time behind a wooden gate across an access road. Lawrence found a new role for himself in politely asking spectators not to block their view as they leant on the gate.

Due to the access road, we had a fair number of spectators to contend with (oh, and one semi-suicidal "press-pass" holder), but George and Gary managed to keep the masses under control. Further down the stage the radio reported a single marshal advising of overwhelming numbers of spectators. During the pause between the 1400cc cars and the main throng of competitors, the safety car "SPEC1" was despatched to check on these safety matters and make adjustments as necessary.

The stage continued with very few incidents (at our post at least) to report.

There is a possible misconception that the role of a radio marshal is that of a "cushy number". Far from it. The radio marshal must be alert and at his post from one hour before the first car until told to stand down after the course closing car has completed the stage. During the event, they are noting the passage of every car throughout the stage, and liaising with the marshals on foot. A radio marshal is prepared to leave the comfort of his car and to muck in with the other marshals should an extra pair of hand be required.

I must extend a warm thank you to Chris for taking me under his wing for the day and showing me the ropes, and also to Gary, who was evicted out into the fresh air. Also to George for accompanying me on the journey there and back and keeping me on track with his map reading skills (and for not mentioning the Romans all weekend).

I would like to do this again, with another opportunity to hone my car tracking skills, then maybe a third session when I can be let loose on the microphone (under experienced supervision). You never know, I might end up putting my hand in my pocket and buy my own radio.

If you are a radio marshal and fancy assisting the training up a Radio Apprentice, please get in touch:

iwanttobearadiomarshal@tomsport.co.uk