Marshalling is mandatory! Everyone needs to do it, even the pros.


As a part of the participation in racing you must marshal your fair share. In most cases your turn will be for the race immediately after your own race. However, in some cases this will be at a different time because of the race schedule (Finals) and to cover races where there was no racing immediately preceding them (eg first Heat). Listen to the PA to ensure you know when you need to be available

Safety First!

  • Your safety is #1 priority. If you cannot marshal a car safely, you are completely entitled to wait in your position until it is safe to do so.  Do not be a hero!  Monitor all your surroundings before running across the track.  Stay safe at all times.
  • Children under 12 should be supervised or replaced by their parents. If children, newbies or less physically-able competitors are assigned to a particularly dangerous or difficult position, offer to swap if your position is easier or safer.
  • Cars have moving parts and can be hazardous to touch (hot exhaust, moving wheels, rotating gears, etc).
    • Always wear gloves and other safety gear. If a hi-vis is provided, you must wear it.
    • Enclosed shoes are required. No sandals or thongs on the track at any time.
    • Consider sun-safety. Cover up, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.  At times you can be out there for up to 45mins.
  • If a driver is revving their car, you are entitled to not marshal it until the driver applies the brakes. Hold your hands in the air to indicate you are not able to safely marshal the car.
  • Marshals are also responsible for keeping the public safe. If you see a spectator in an unsafe position, inform them of the dangers and direct them to a safer place to watch the race.   This is particularly important for children who are often unaware of dangers.

Marshal others as you would like to be marshalled! 

This means:

  • Be at your marshalling station at least 3 minutes before the start of the race. This is so the warm-up time is suitably marshalled for all participants.  Do not leave your position until all racing is completed for all participants.
    • Your marshalling spot will typically be the number you started the previous race. That is, if you started 3rd in your race you will marshal the track at marshalling position #3.
    • Pay careful attention to your track section/corner. Make sure you are facing in the correct direction for you marshal post.  Do not get distracted by the racing elsewhere on the circuit.  Be aware of what is happening immediately in front of you.
    • Be aware of not standing/sitting where you are obstructing the view of the corner apex from the drivers stand.
    • No smoking, drinking, eating, phoning, texting, or chatting when marshalling.

  • When you see an accident in progress, start moving towards it immediately so you are ready to turn the car over if needed.
    • Use both hands to marshal an overturned toy car. Usually picking it up by the front and rear wing.  Do not use your feet to turn a car over.  A careful and methodical approach generally works best.  It is frustrating and embarrassing when a car needs marshalled multiple times due to poor marshalling methods.
    • Do not cause an additional accident by placing the car in the path of another. Let others through if required before placing the car down.
    • Place car at the nearest position to the original incident. Do no place the car at another part of the track that gives an advantage to the driver or allows them to catchup.

  • If 2 or more cars need assistance at the same time:
    • Help the car that crashed first, not necessarily the closest car.
    • If one driver was clearly not at fault, help them first.
    • Do not play favourites! All drivers are equal from a marshalling perspective.
  • If a car ‘flames-out’ or otherwise breaks down, be wary of running across the track to return it to the pits, no matter who the driver is or their place in the race. Different tracks and race scenarios have different rules:
    • If you can return the car to the pits or mechanic, quickly and safely, then do so. Otherwise…
    • Transport the car to another marshal (who is closer to the pits) and have them relay the car towards the pits. This means you marshal spot is not vacant for too long.
    • If the race is an important final, you might be required to leave the car in a safe position on the side of the track and have a pit engineer retrieve it for the driver.

Other considerations

  • If you cannot marshal, due to physical restriction or needing to pit someone else, YOU must find a replacement person to fill in for you. Inform the race director of the situation.
  • You are expected to marshal the whole day. Even if your car is no longer participating, you still need to marshal.  Additionally, if your final is complete you should not go home – you need to complete the remainder of you marshalling duties for the day.
  • Races need to have a minimum number of marshals. If a call for volunteer marshals is made please consider donating your time.  In most cases the race cannot be run unless someone volunteers to help.