I was very lucky to be involved with the BMMC South Mids Training Day at Rockingham over the weekend.
In a nutshell - we had a series of theory modules, and fire training, in the mornings, based on the MSA modules. In the afternoon something new (well in recent years anyhow) was tried. A full scale "mock" race meeting was put together, with 2 races each day, each of about 14 laps (inc GF and SC laps etc) around the Rockingham circuit. We manned up some posts and had flag cover all around. The meeting was fully simulated with Drivers sign on, scrutineering, 14 real race cars, 13 real drivers (and me). We had a full blown assembly (with associated Specialist problems) and Start line and procedure. We were allowed to race, but only in a safe and controlled manner with respect, and slower than full race pace. So the racing was tactical - but very much there.
The drivers had various tasks and scripts to follow - to simulate incidents and the scripting involved, Red flags, fights, gravel traverses, engine blow ups, (complete with smoke bombs) marshal injuries, safety car deployment, staged role, and we managed some, ahem, "unscripted" spins (it was bl**dy greasy tbh). We even had a team member playing up, who is a real team member (British GT), but too much a pro to play up in real life!
The cars, all race cars were mainly MR2's supplied by Alec Fitness of Prize Motorsport. The drivers were mainly Track Attack Race Club (who race MR2, Nippon, Tricolore Trophy and Deutche Challenge). Nina and I found ourselves in the curious position of knowing these guys well, so were lucky enough to drive on the day, but as we are also marshals, our role sort of bridged both disciplines.
For sure I know the drivers had a great laugh, and loved the day, and I think they had a new appreciation for what we actually do. There is no doubt they already really appreciate that we give up our time. However I think they now have a better understanding of the "professionalism" we need to have.
It was a brilliant idea, brilliantly organised by both BMMC South Mids and Rockingham. Ok some teething troubles, and it is now realised that more incident, and differing incidents, and perhaps "rule breaking like exceeding track limits and false starts can be added to give a better "all round" experience. As it was a "full" race meeting, the practical encompassed all aspects, Comms, Specialism, PC, Incident, Flagging, Scrutineering, pits, S/L all in one exercise. Cool!!
On this occasion we could probably have done with more "customers" for the training. We were a tad short on numbers.
I really hope that both the core BMMC, other clubs, and the MSA take notice of this, because for me it is the way to go. As close to as real experience as poss with no real jeapordy. If (when) it goes ahead next year, I just hope their are more takers for the places available.
Negative point - where is my Driver of the Day Trophy? I was 85 btw, you'll note the front row start of course ;-)
Funny points; Nina spun the wreck on a test lap in the morning, with a CoC in front of her, and a CoC following behind LOL. Give her points I say (it was a wreck though, turns out had no brakes).
I needed a pillow in my MR2 to reach the pedals. Scrutineer comes around (with a new scrutineer under training) goes through the usual, and just turns to me and says, "Pillow, fireproof?". Quick as anything I just reply, "Yeah, 3 layer Nomex". "Excellent" he says, "That's passed then." to the bemusement of the new scrut.
I really hope that this is repeated next year, and that the marshals attending got something out of it.
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