FMM’s Track Marshal Training

FMM does annual track marshal training to ensure that our team is always kept up to date with the latest in track safety. Usually, the instructors come to L’Ormarins and provide training at PlaasPad. This year, however, Lorenzo was able to organise for the team to do training at the Killarney International Raceway at a live track day being held by the Cape Alfa Romeo Club. This allowed us to benefit from the valuable real-time experience of seeing marshals perform their duties on a live track.

On Saturday November 23, the FMM workshop team of Lorenzo, Sian, Donnie, Elton, Michael, Willem and Juliana, along with Josef and Marius from the estate team along with two SA Motorsports Marshalling Officials – Rob Webber and Nigel Cosway – spent the morning watching the track marshals in action with lectures being provided as the action happened. Marshalling requires constant attention, not only via radio communication but also visually to determine track safety. As easy as it may look when watching an F1 race, it is a job that takes time to perfect as track action is ever changing and anything can happen at any time. There is considerable responsibility put on the shoulders of every track marshal: there is a lot more to it than just waving flags!

After lunch, more in-depth lectures further elaborated on what had been learnt around the track. It was a pleasant day that provided a lot of insight and deeper understanding of the safety procedures and requirements for track-side events.

Thanks go to Lorenzo for organising the training, to Rob and Nigel for their valuable guidance, and to FMM team who gave up their time to be in attendance.