About VFT
What we do
Like you, we’ve all grown up watching motor racing on the television. We’ve been on the edge of our seat as the top drivers in the country push their cars to the limit, muscle past an opponent, or spin out of control and see their dreams destroyed in an instant. Watch the telecast closely and you’ll see flagmarshals on every corner of the track. Each of those officials is a highly-trained volunteer reacting to spinning cars, obstacles on the track and even oil spills. Their job is to display warning flags to the drivers, notifying them of the track conditions ahead. They are closer to the action than anyone except the drivers themselves, and nothing compares to the roar of those engines just metres away. It’s a job that anyone can learn how to do, even you!
We give trackside training at real motor racing events in Victoria, assisted by an experienced and friendly senior marshal every step of the way. They’ll explain what to look for on the track, what to do when there’s an incident, how to communicate with Race Control and plenty more. It's easier than you think, and more fun than you can imagine! Watching it on television or from the grandstand will never be the same.
You can start at any point of the motor racing season and you’ll also get lunch provided, a free pass for your mate and end-of-day beers with BBQ snags. Not to mention a trackside experience that money can’t buy!
To become a part of this exciting team, click here.
Where we do itAs a club we attend events at:
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So, You Want to Become a Flagmarshal?
Motor racing is exciting and demanding. Both driver and marshal derive satisfaction from being able to play their part. The difference between the driver and the Marshal is that the driver is an individual and the Marshal can only play his or her full role as a member of a TEAM. The prerequisite for a competent FLAG MARSHAL are:
- Enthusiasm
- Reliability
- Dedication
- Commonsense and Team Spirit
- Concentration
Motor Racing is Dangerous
A fact of which everyone who attends meetings, is constantly reminded. Marshalling could be more dangerous because of the frontline positions to which the Flag Marshal is exposed. Protect yourself and your partner first.
Flagmarshalling can be uncomfortable
This can be greatly reduced by being prepared. Whatever the time of year, or the weather forecast, sufficient clothing for any condition must be taken with you. Should you join the VFT, you will be given the opportunity to purchase wet weather gear through Aussie Disposals, at reasonable cost. You will also be advised as to what type of clothing to take with you to race meetings.
General
On-track training is provided to all new officials and further training via special Training Days will take place from time to time, as determined by the Chief Flag Marshal and Training Committee. It is advisable to arrive at the circuit early, in plenty of time to sign-on at the specified time. This will allow organisers to provide you with information you will require to perform your duties, allow you to be covered by Motorsport Australia Insurance and allow the senior officials to check who has reported for duty, so that you can be allocated to a post. Allow yourself time to check your equipment. The time you take now, will save valuable minutes later on, if there is an emergency. Flag Marshals are the main form of communication between drivers on the track and the Officials running the meeting. They do this by displaying coloured flags in pre-arranged patterns. By use of the correct flag signals, the Flag Marshal can keep the driver informed of the state of the circuit, the occurrence and importance of any incident around the course, the presence of extraneous or slow vehicles on the track and the proximity of other competing cars. The flag system can be used to control the flow of the event or in fact, stop the event. It is a vital function and one which takes full concentration to carry out with the accuracy and judgment required. Click here to view a brief explanation of what the flags mean.
Benefits of being a Flag Marshal
- Free entrance to race meetings
- Free meals whilst on duty at the circuit
- Free programs
- Friendship
- Meet people you would not normally meet
- Belong to a team
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