This month sees Dave Wickham, Grade 3 Assessor for Race and Speed and a National Clerk of the Course (Speed), share his experiences of his ‘orange roots’ and journey to marshalling across the UK. 

“As a young lad I was never really interested in football, but anything with an engine, that’s a different matter. My sister’s boyfriend used to marshal and I got dragged along to sit in the grandstands in the complex at Thruxton (I wasn’t exactly kicking and screaming), and on August 18th 1974 saw me in orange and out on post.” 

Dave has gone on to marshal at numerous circuits, including Silverstone, Thruxton, Brands Hatch, Mallory Park, Castle Combe, Donington Park and latterly Goodwood for both Members and Revival meetings. 

“1976 saw me attend my first Speed Hill Climb at Gurston Down and I was hooked on that sphere of our sport. I’ve gone on to marshal at Wiscombe Park, Loton Park, Shelsley Walsh, Goodwood, Longleat House and Prescott where I was Chief Marshal for several seasons.” 

He even took his love of marshalling Stateside and attended Road America in 2000 and 2001 as Corner Worker at their Champ Car rounds. 

His role in motorsport has changed over the years. 

“I gave up observing at races years ago, and now I use my Assessor Grade to do Flag Assessments, not all Flag Posts are near the Post Chief, so instructions and questioning isn’t always practical, I enjoy just talking to new marshals and making them feel welcome.” 

Interested in marshalling? There’s still time to explore the opportunities across the UK and get involved. Find out more about getting involved in marshalling here.