A Visit to the Clerks?

[Steve Fox]

I'm sure most Marshals would agree that many drivers could benefit from doing a few hours on the bank and those that I have seen do so have all seemed to enjoy themselves and even come back for more.
I was wondering if Marshals would gain a useful insight into the roles of other officials if we were to spend the day in race control/paddock office/scrutineering?
I realise that most Clerks spend the day sipping champagne and nibbling at salmon and cucumber sandwiches (with the crusts cut off) and might not have time to explain everything that is going on but I might have slightly the wrong idea as they might have time if the Marshal was interested enough.
What does the panel think? Worth asking?

[thepits!]

I think this is a great idea - add Pits/Startline to the list

p.s. re

Originally Posted by Steve Fox

I realise that most Clerks spend the day sipping champagne and nibbling at salmon and cucumber sandwiches (with the crusts cut off) ...

I think you may have muddled them up with the Stewards [who also fill up their day by doing the Times crossword]

[Slipstick]

Well in the spirit of drivers spending an hour or two on the bank I'd rather you arrange for a driver to lend me his car for a race or two. I'm sure it would improve my marshalling .

But failing that, I agree it's a good idea to try or at least to shadow as many of the volunteer jobs as you can. Many of the more specialised ones like scrutineers and timekeepers are often quite keen to explain what it is they do....though they can get a bit busy sometimes. And quite a few of the others are close to standard admin jobs that just happen to take place at race circuits.

Steve

[johngee]

Originally Posted by thepits!

I think you may have muddled them up with the Stewards [who also fill up their day by doing the Times crossword]

That's far too energetic - snoozing in the car/stewards room is more appropriate.

Seriously, I'm always happy to spend time with marshals (it's how I started!) and explain what we don't do all day.

[Steve Fox]

To be fair I should say that when I have a technical or blue book query I always get an answer from the clerks who take the time to answer my questions whether it be face to face or by email

[The Fat Clerk]

As both a Clerk and a Steward I'd welcome anyone that wants to 'shadow' me this season.

[Greem]

Will this be the first season that a meeting can't be started because there are too many clerks and not enough marshals?

[LandieLad]

You also need the spray starch to join "shinnies"

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

As both a Clerk and a Steward I'd welcome anyone that wants to 'shadow' me this season.

Need help with the crossword?

[dave vass]

Originally Posted by The Fat Clerk

As both a Clerk and a Steward I'd welcome anyone that wants to 'shadow' me this season.

Surely there is no one tall enough or big enough to shadow you Dave!! Tee hee!

[Pitsmarion]

"I think this is a great idea - add Pits/Startline to the list "

Hear, hear!!! At one race meeting I was at last year we had an incident marshal join us in the pits and startline for a few hours, and he was surprised with the range of responsibilties and activities we did, and that was even without any driver change/pit stop races.

[Eljay]

I think you have a good idea here Mr Fox, I know I have never done a day off the bank in over 100 days at trackside, and should push myself to go and find out a bit more about race control, pits, startline and assembly, maybe I will drop a line to Mildred at Brands and sort myself out some alternative scenery for a few days this year!

[Piglet]

I think most Clerks would be happy to have someone shadow them for the day, I know I would be....better bring your running shoes though there is very little sitting around these days and usually not enough chairs to go around!

[johngee]

Originally Posted by Piglet

I think most Clerk's would be happy to have someone shadow them for the day, I know I would be....better bring your running shoes though there is very little sitting around these days and usually not enough chairs to go around!

It might change the perception that we sit around, in luxury, drinking fresh brewed coffee and watching Eurosport on the TV screens.

[Piglet]

Originally Posted by johngee

It might change the perception that we sit around, in luxury, drinking fresh brewed coffee and watching Eurosport on the TV screens.

We do manage proper coffee at Brands, it's usually cold though by the time it's actually drunk! That's after the inevitable argument about who's turn it is to make it and making sure that the media boys haven't nicked it first!

I've had a couple of drivers shadow me who all commented on the number of things that Clerks juggle at once, questions from colleagues, drivers, timekeepers, race phones etc. Noting down info, watching multiple screens, watching replays, dealing with judicial from that session, dealing with judicial from other sessions, making sure the cars are en route for the next session...suddenly realising the chequered flag has gone out and there is no-one free to do the course car...

I love it and the added bonus is that I get to eat my bodyweight in crud over a race weekend without worrying too much as I don't sit still for long enough for it to stick!

[Steve Fox]

Originally Posted by Eljay

I think you have a good idea here Mr Fox, I know I have never done a day off the bank in over 100 days at trackside, and should push myself to go and find out a bit more about race control, pits, startline and assembly, maybe I will drop a line to Mildred at Brands and sort myself out some alternative scenery for a few days this year!

There were a few days that I marked in my diary not to do this year so I think I might put in some polite requests to be able to make a day of one of those, starting off in the paddock office for signing on then moving on to scrutineering, then assembly, startline, time keepers, race control (in time for tea) and anyone else who would allow me an hour or two with them. I would think that would give a good insight into the workings of Brands Hatch.
I may bang off an email to M and see what she thinks about it all.

[Bryan Degerlund]

Steve...and anyone else interested, Brands Hatch startline/pits team (note one team!) will always be happy to show people what we do and will ensure you get involved. Just let Mildred know your interest.

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by Bryan Degerlund

Steve...and anyone else interested, Brands Hatch startline/pits team (note one team!) will always be happy to show people what we do and will ensure you get involved.

Thanks Bryan. BH, quite rightly, has always been one team [I remember it well] . It has been the norm at many other circuits, and the rest are catching up.

[deley]

Maybe have a chat with some of the discipline chiefs for the marshalling duties and discuss with them first and also bear in mind that non-marshalling duties are often organised by other people rather than the Chief Marshal/ Marshal co-ordinator..... while I am sure they may be more than happy to assist can everyone please remember that it is a tough enough job for those who are sorting the marshals for the weekends normally without having a load of "I think I might like to have a day doing ...." requests.

Just a thought

Dave

[Steve Fox]

Originally Posted by deley

Maybe have a chat with some of the discipline chiefs for the marshalling duties and discuss with them first and also bear in mind that non-marshalling duties are often organised by other people rather than the Chief Marshal/ Marshal co-ordinator..... while I am sure they may be more than happy to assist can everyone please remember that it is a tough enough job for those who are sorting the marshals for the weekends normally without having a load of "I think I might like to have a day doing ...." requests.

Just a thought

Dave

There were no circumstances under which I would attempt to burden the Chief Marshal with arranging this, no way. I would however clear it with her in case that wasn't the sort of thing her Marshals should be doing.
It would also not be a case of "having a go" at anything, the purpose would simply be to observe and understand a bit more than I do at present.
I realise that each and every person would need to be asked individually and an undertaking not to get in the way or otherwise hinder them would need to be given.

[thepits!]

Originally Posted by Steve Fox

There were no circumstances under which I would attempt to burden the Chief Marshal with arranging this, no way. I would however clear it with her in case that wasn't the sort of thing her Marshals should be doing. It would also not be a case of "having a go" at anything, the purpose would simply be to observe and understand a bit more than I do at present. I realise that each and every person would need to be asked individually and an undertaking not to get in the way or otherwise hinder them would need to be given.

If enough warning is given that "I'd like to...." then I'm sure it would be sorted.

[Gerryc]

How about volunteering to assist with some Taster Sessions at your local circuit. That way you get to see all the off the bank roles in action(RC, medical, pits, scrutineers, timekeepers etc.) at the same time as encouraging more idiots into the sport.
It was only by doing this that I got to see an active Race Control in all its "glory", or to visit a live pit lane - and I had been marshalling over 20 years by that time.

[Shelagh]

I always considered myself as a "flaggie" and never wanted to do anything else. Then I discovered Assembly by default and wondered why I had left it so long - it is a great job!

Startline is not for me (done it a couple of times), nor is pits (see other thread).

I did consider going for "a clerk" but I'm just not firm enough. When I see what they have to do and how they have to act or react (and I've seen a fair bit in my "Pit Lane Hooter" role), there is no way that I could do that job. But that's just me.

But what always amazes me is how the best clerks seem to be able to keep their concentration when umpty-ump things are going on and, also, keep calm in directing stuff. Another reason for me not going there! You also need a certain "arrogance" because you are in charge. All the best managers have that.

So I, as an observer of clerks in action in some really nasty situations, would tell you to only go there if you feel you can cope with it all. I'm not trying to put anybody off, but it is not just sitting in race control drinking coffee!

And, from my experience of watching, I think shadowing is the best idea ever!

(PS: IMO best clerks: Dave Pierre and Eduardo. Sorry Mr Brice!)

[The Fat Clerk]

I'd agree we you anyway

[pauln]

I've spent a couple of days in Race Control in Silverstone when Penny was short of someone to run the computer log.

It's an enlightening experience, giving you a much better idea of the pressures that the clerks (and at Silverstone the Chief IOs) are under. I'd encourage anybody to do it, though it may be best to grade past trainee first - or at least be well on the way to doing so.