I have been asked several times over the last week as to why the sidecar club are not running the big track this weekend. The simple answer is not enough people to cover the long track safely.
The M.M.A. marshals, have worked endlessly over the last few years, setting up stands at bike show’s and promoting themselves to attract new blood to our sport, and all i can do is congratulate them on their efforts. They have got a handful of new marshals, but i have been informed that they have also lost a few marshals in the last few years, and the reasons why have stunned and chilled me to the bone. Simply put, they believe that they are at serious risk being track side due to the way that riders are disobeying flags and the abuse some marshals have taken from competitors and their teams.
If we want to race we need these volunteers who stand out there regardless of the weather, from Febuary to the end of October, and all they get is a lunch!!! some have been threatened because they had an opinion, some have been roared at, because they decided that self preservation was a little bit more important than clearing a bike or piece of debris, when riders are showing contempt of the flags.
I am not asking for a hug the marshal day (many of them would enjoy that wayyy too much ) but, within our sporting circle, we need to care for the ones that are caring for us, by putting themselves in the firing line, for you the racer, so, no hugs, but shake a marshals hand this weekend, (but count fingers and check you still have a watch and rings) give a little and let them do their job.

Jim McDonnell.
I.S.A.M.