Marshalling

The marshals and medical team that attend every race in Northern Ireland are among the most important people involved in our sport, as they ensure the on track safety of every competitor. Quite simply without these volunteers and their commitment there would be no racing.

Luckily the North of Ireland Karting Association has a very dedicated and professional team of marshals that attend every meeting and practise session. If you are unsure who they are, they are easily recognisable in their NIKA sponsored orange overalls or jackets. As such this bunch of merry men and women are affectionately known as the “orange suit brigade”.

Our marshals come from various backgrounds and each with varying degrees of experience. Most of the marshals are also involved many other different forms of motorsport in Northern Ireland. You are more than likely to see them anywhere from the North West 200 to the Circuit of Ireland. Meanwhile others have entered straight into marshalling through the karting scene in Northern Ireland and don’t venture to far away.

As the marshals are a vital part of our sport NIKA organise regular training sessions to keep the team up date with the current rules procedures. They also support several fund raising activities throughout the year to help raise funds for the medical team to purchase much need and important new equipment.

In 2008 the MSA add Kart marshals to their established registration scheme for Race & Rally marshals. This scheme is designed to provide a clear structure within the sport and for existing marshals, along with those who wish to join. This has been achieved with a clearly set out progression pathway that recognises the experienced gained, by the commitment of the volunteers by logging their attendance at events, along with a dedicated training session.

In summary the karting marshals are involved to aid the smooth running of an event and maintain safety. Marshalling the events often involves many tasks. The primary task is that of flagging, as this is the only means of communication to the drivers, as well as observation of driving standards and crowd control.

As a competitor you should be forever indebted to this band of people, who endure all weather conditions for long days, to allow you to enjoy your days racing safely.