Are you a motorsports fan?
Maybe you enjoy watching Formula One, IndyCar or IMSA races.
Maybe you have friends or family who are involved in racing.
Tired of just sitting on the sidelines? Paying big bucks for a ticket?
Want to get closer to the action, with racecars
whizzing by at 100 MPH or more?
Get ready for some real race day action by becoming a
Flagging & Communications Corner Worker.
IS FLAGGING DANGEROUS?
Sometimes the work of F&C marshals is physically demanding and even risky, however that's part of what makes it fun!
Marshals are the first to respond to an incident, and when the track is oiled or tire barriers have been displaced, they are quick to remedy the situation.
Safety is always their first concern and training is essential.
Click HERE for training info.
WHAT IS MTM?
Michigan Turn Marshals (MTM) is a not-for-profit association of individuals interested in, and dedicated to the sport of automobile road racing.
There are currently over 400 “Lifetime” members, from all walks of life, from 18 to 80 years of age!
Membership is open to ANY individuals concerned with promoting high standards and safety in the Flagging and Communications activities at racing events. Click HERE to learn more about MTM.
WHAT IS FLAGGING & COMMUNICATIONS?
The Flagging and Communications specialty deals with the on-track activities performed by Turn Marshals (a.k.a. Corner Workers or Flaggers) and is vital to running a race weekend.
F&C corner workers communicate with the drivers utilizing a variety of flags and hand signals to indicate course conditions within their area, and communicate with the race operating stewards via radio or phone lines.
ARE THE WORKERS ACTUALLY ON THE TRACK?
F&C turn marshals are strategically located at corner stations around the race track in areas where, if things do go wrong, they can respond quickly to provide a push or assist a driver in moving to a safer position.
F&C workers have access to all areas around the course, including pit, grid, and paddock, which enable us to get to know the race team drivers and crews.
We have the best seats in the house for race events, and F&C is a very rewarding, challenging and exciting place to be on race day.
WHEN ?
In Michigan, Ontario, and the Midwest the weather dictates when races are scheduled.
But once the weather breaks in the Spring, Amateur and Professional Road Racing events are scheduled almost every weekend from April through October.
Check out the latest schedule of Michigan events by clicking HERE.
Schedules for races in other states can be found on the MotorsportReg website or at individual race track’s websites.
WHERE ?
Most races that MTM F&C Corner Workers participate in take place at three venues:
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GingerMan Raceway in SW Michigan
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Grattan Raceway just NE of Grand Rapids
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Waterford Hills in Clarkston, North of Detroit
Other loacl races take place on Detroit's Belle Isle and at the Michigan International Speedway near Jackson.
Click HERE for a list of tracks.
DO I NEED A MEMBERSHIP, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION?
Membership in MTM or other groups such as the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) is not required, however many Workers choose to join for the perks.
Being licensed through the SCCA means that you have mastered the basic F&C techniques and essential safety rules. An SCCA license is recognized nationwide as a 'standard of excellence'.
No special certifications are required, however basic knowledge of first aid and CPR will be helpful.
CAN I WORK AT RACES IN OTHER CITIES AND STATES?
Yes! Many of our members participate in race events at other Midwest tracks such as Indy, Road America and Mid-Ohio.
A few go down to Florida in the winter to "warm-up" for the season ahead by working at the IndyCar & IMSA races at Daytona, Sebring & St. Pete.
Some Flaggers even follow the F1 circuit around the globe. Imagine working a race in Europe or Australia. As a licensed F&C worker you can!
OK, HOW DO I GET STARTED ?
It's easy, just follow these steps ...
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Check the schedule, choose some races, and mark your calendar.
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For races in Michigan, register online. For other areas of country contact the SCCA Region F&C Chief directly.
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Gather up some supplies. Click HERE for a list 0n the "Gear" page.
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Show up at the track approximately 1½ hours before the start of the first race, find the Volunteer Registration area and look for the F&C folks in their "worker whites.
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We will provide your orientation, formal & on-track training, mentoring, and even a FREE lunch!
( Heck, we’ll even throw in free pop and beer after the racing is done for the day, and sometimes dinner too! ) -
Be prepared for the adrenaline rush!