If you want to get involved in motorsport, there is no better way than signing up to become a Motorsport UK volunteer.

National Motorsport Week (11-21 July) recognises the UK’s position at the forefront of the global motorsport industry – and the thousands of volunteers who make it happen.

From the British Grand Prix at Silverstone to a club hillclimb at Gurston Down, the UK hosts a packed calendar of events each year, with the support of 676 registered motor clubs and 12,000 registered volunteers.

And with new forms of road car-based motorsport driving up participation, there are now even more opportunities for volunteers to get involved and become part of the action as marshals, officials and event organisers.

Volunteers get an insider’s view of the world of motorsport, access to specialist training and opportunities to learn new skills within a tight-knit and friendly community.

There are minimal restrictions and barriers to entry, and a structured training programme equips volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to make motorsport happen.

Progression through the marshalling ranks is managed by the Motorsport UK Marshals Development Pathway. More than 100 training events are held nationwide throughout the year. These, and on-line resources, allow individuals to reach different marshalling grades – from one to three – and to progress from cadet marshal level through to highly specialised roles.

Volunteer officials follow a similar process, with mentors allocated at an early stage and a clear path of development for each role that is similar in structure to a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ).

Volunteering is a fantastic entry point into the sport for young motorsport enthusiasts too, as Cadet Marshals can get involved from the age of 11.

“It is such a fulfilling thing to do,” said Sue Fletcher, who has been volunteering for the last 14 years and is Motorsport UK’s volunteer coordinator.

“Seeing motorsport from the inside gives you an entirely different experience from spectating. You can make amazing friends and get so many opportunities. It is definitely a job to be taken seriously, but it is also great fun and it’s so addictive. Volunteers often find themselves checking for upcoming events whenever they have a free weekend.”

Depending on how far volunteers progress, the different skills they acquire through motorsport can benefit their lives and careers away from the sport.

“In terms of career advancement, volunteering creates a talking point with prospective employers, and there are clear transferable skills that they can relate to,” Fletcher added. “Motorsport volunteering really does open all sorts of doors, and for anybody who is interested, there’s never been a better time to give it a go.”