Having not done any marshalling since September last year, I was considering helping out on this event, although a personal request from the events’ Chief Marshal would make up by mind.
It would be an early start with the alarm set for 03:00. After a brief breakfast and the last of the kit loaded into the boot of the Frontera, I was on my way at 04:00.
Only three minutes down the road I encountered my first problem – the M6 on-ramp at junction 9 was closed. A quick cut through Walsall and I would finally enter the M6 at junction 10… straight into 50mph road works (I’ve not used the motorway network since starting my new job). Once on the M54, the miles just flew by.
After 2 and half hours I was on the 3 mile forest track on my way up to the start area of Special Stage 1 (Myherin). Having signed on, I made my way with care through the mist, past many huge wind turbines up to junction 18 – a long down hill, over narrow bridge into a near hairpin left, surrounded by big trees.
Having gotten out to check the lay of the land on foot, I reversed over the rough ground into a ravine. Whilst the ground was stable and the location safe and affording me a good view, I had no radio comms with Control. Fifty yards up the stage is an elevated side road that gave better comms so I relocated to that. This new location afforded me a much better view, although a few trees were blocking my view of the bridge parapet – the reason a radio marshal was appointed to this location – although I’m sure I’d hear a bang if anyone was to hit it.
With the formalities of the radio check now done and the paperwork suitably arranged on the dash, it was time for a spot of breakfast (yes, again), but this time, rather than coffee toast and marmalade, a couple of hot sausage baps would do nicely thank you very much.
At 08:20 the first competitor started stage one. It wouldn’t take long for it to reach my location 9.05 miles in, but when it did it was flying. Similarly, the next few cars were equally as impressive, although the later once were a little off the pace of the leaders (even so, they were still bloomin quick).
Having mostly marshalled on the Britpart British Cross Country Championship last year I had forgotten how quick an International rally car actually is. Don’t get me wrong, the BCCC boys are quick, especially up the fire-breaks, but these guys were seriously impressive, oh and the noise.
After 37 competitors, had passed by safely, the aroma of clutch and brake dust hanging in the air, it was time for elevenses I think… bacon baps this time though.
After a quick forty winks and yet more coffee, the two hour pause soon passed by and the International competitors returned for their second run through our stage. Once again, they were all on a mission. Just up to my right, out of sight, must have been a small yump; the top three ignored it and went flat, their engine note rising slightly as the car got some air, the majority though opted to drop a cog and take the yump with a little more caution.
Only one incident on our stage (testament to the professionalism of the International crews) – car 43 (I think) had a little difficulty putting the power down after the hairpin at my junction – he carried on but would later retire on the stage with a failed clutch.
All in all, a good day out. Only rained for half an hour or so, no spectator issues (only saw two), some excellent on the limit motorsport and a little mud up the side of the Frontera.
Arrived home safely about 17:00
Looking back down the stage to the hairpin:
Looking up the stage (yump round the corner)
Gratuitous Pose Shot:
Lawrence
