What is a corner Marshal you ask!? If you have ever been to a motorcycle road race or watched one on TV, you have more than likely noticed corner marshals. They are the men and women dressed in white, stationed around the track, closely watching the racers as they race and practice the course. When a racer crashes, they spring into action. The first move will be by the flagger, displaying a warning flag to inform the other racers of the situation on the track ahead. There are several different flags, each with a separate and distinct meaning. While the flagger warns the racers, the rest of the crew is preparing to assist the downed rider(s). The corner captain communicates by radio with the race officials and medical personnel regarding the situation and its severity. The assist crew goes to work, first attending to the downed rider and then clearing the track of the related debris. When the track is cleared, the crew goes back to their stations to watch the action until they are needed again.
Corner marshals also assist the race officials with rules enforcement. Since they are the closest to the track and have the best view of the racers and their motorcycles in action, they can see more than anyone else. They watch for illegal passes and rough or dangerous riding, as well as spotting possible hazards, such as leaking oil or loose equipment. They also help photographers get to the best possible places around the track while still being safe. Corner marshals also can be called upon for crowd control, keeping spectators out of hot pit lanes or other areas where the race fans would be endangered. During the slow times between races and practices they keep the track clean by sweeping and inspect the track for debris from the motorcycles.
Prior to the racing season we offer a specialized class instructed by Dr. Ray Rossi on track-side medical assistance. This class covers corner marshal responsibilities, the common hand signs used to communicate in the noisy track side environment, and how and when to move an injured rider. It also covers helmet removal in accordance with the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, as well as very basic interventions that can help an injured rider until the paramedics arrive.
If this sounds interesting to you and you are ready to join this Elite Crew , we would encourage you to call the MRA Hotline @ 303-530-5678, or contact the Track Marshall Tim A. Young or Joe Belef the Corner Crew Coordinator at mracornercrew@comcast.net
To All,
The core group of track staff; Kip, Joe, Bob, Tawny, Vincent, and I met along with Prez Glen to discuss the upcoming season. Suggestions for making the race day run smooth, ensuring that the staff is happy, and most of all, creating the safest racing environment possible, were discussed.
All that being said, one of my biggest concerns is adequate staffing. This ultimately effects all three of the afore mentioned topics. All members present believed that it is all of our responsibility to ensure we have a good turnout this year.
To that end I am asking all of you to put out the word and do your best to recruit new people or retain the existing members. Tell everyone and anyone you think would be interested about corner working. When you are talking to them explain the reasons you yourself do it.
Joe Belef is going to prepare and email out fliers that will need to be distributed at your area shops or any other locations where our target audience might see it. Your help in this endevour would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck, and let's have a great year.
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