With just a month to go until the Island Stages Rally hits the closed roads around Havenstreet, the Isle of Wight Car Club is appealing for marshals to sign up.
On Sunday 3rd November, competitors will go against the clock on closed sections of the public highway, all thanks to a change of law which has allowed the Isle of Wight Car Club to bring motorsport action to the Island in a new format.
The event, 1 of just a handful of such rallies in England, has attracted a strong entry list from competitors across the country – and even Jersey. However, additional marshals are now needed to ensure the smooth running of the Weaver Brothers Island Stages Rally 2024.
8 special stages will be run between the hours of 09:00-17:30, with 2 of the stages set to be in the dark. Marshals will be needed in locations along the stage through Firestone Copse, down Rowlands Lane and towards The Downs – including at the main spectator zone in Havenstreet.
As well as marshalling the stages themselves, there are plenty of other roles such as manning time controls which allow you to be as close as possible to the crews and their cars!
Marshals must be registered with Motorsport UK and must register to be a marshal with the Isle of Wight Car Club by filling out the online signing-on form.
Any questions can be emailed to [email protected].
Keep an eye on Island Echo for further information in the coming months, including a full entry list and further spectator details…
Rally Marshal FAQs
Can I be a marshal?
Yes! Register with Motorsport UK and fill out the event registration form. There’s a short online course on the Motorsport UK learning hub which you can also complete. Being a registered marshal with Motorsport UK also allows you to take advantage of their membership benefits and discounts.
I’ve never marshalled before – does that matter?
Not at all – everyone was a rookie once! Do the online training and let the Chief Marshal know so that they can buddy you with someone more experienced.
What do stage marshals do?
Rally marshals are there to ensure the safety of competitors and spectators. If you are on stage, you’ll be given a right of way or road junction to look after, ensuring everyone is in a safe place.
Unlike other disciplines you are free to move around in that area and provided there is space to park, you can keep your car and all your gear with you. Better still, encourage your friends to become a registered marshal and spend the day out on the stages together in locations that spectators cannot get to.
What do radio marshals do?
Radio marshals are a special type of stage marshal who are located at certain points along the stage. They will operate a radio that is part of the rally safety communication network, providing valuable information to Rally Control. Each radio marshal has a check sheet and marks off competing cars as they pass by. They are also equipped with a red flag so that the stage can be stopped in the event of an accident.
What to control marshals do?
Rallying runs to a schedule, and that means time controls! These are located at Service and at the start and end of the stages. Competitors must check in at their allotted time. They’ll hand over their timecard to be filled in before you hand it back and note them down on the checksheet. This role gives a great opportunity to get right up close and interact with the crews. Being able to cheer on friends from your club as they pass through is a great feeling!
