n-teer]noun
1. a person who voluntarily offers himself or herself for a service or undertaking.
In racing there are so many un-sung heroes behind the cars and drivers that make an event happen. In a typical race weekend there are 20 to 30 volunteers that offer their time and support that allow us to enjoy racing our cars. Here is a list of the various volunteer positions during a race weekend.
FLAGGING & COMMUNICATION
These are the folks dressed in white, trackside at each turn. They use flags to inform drivers of track conditions, operate a race control radio net, and handle first response to incidents on track.
STARTERS
Starters handle the flags in the tower. They’re responsible for starting races, tracking progress and throwing the checkered flag at the finish.
PIT & PADDOCK
The pit marshals control action in pit lane, serve as traffic cops during practice, qualifying, and race, and insure that conditions in the pits are safe, taking care of matters such as fire control. The paddock marshall monitors activities in the paddock to ensure vehicles are legally parked, that race and non-race vehicles are driven safely, and watches for potential safety hazards in and around the garages.
GRID
Grid marshals place the cars in proper order for races and performs traffic control as cars are released to the track. They check driver safety gear and that cars permitted on track have passed inspection.
TIMING & SCORING
Timing & Scoring is one of the most challenging of specialties, responsible for determining lap times and track position. You have to actually see the T&S workers in action to realize all that they do tracking a race in progress.
SCRUTINEERING (Tech)
Tech inspectors check cars for safety and rules compliance and ensure drivers’ gear is in good condition. They manage impound, and verify that the top finishing cars are in legal racing condition.
REGISTRATION
Registrars sign everybody in and ensure racers have paid their entry fees. If you like working with people, this may be for you. You may work here in the morning and elsewhere in the afternoon.
SOUND CONTROL
Sound control is a little known but necessary specialty. Sound Control monitors all sessions on the track and assists cars that may violate rules governing sound levels.
STEWARDS
Some highly experienced participants become stewards. Operating Stewards are responsible for overall management of a race. Stewards of the Meeting are responsible for judicial aspects of the event such as handling protests.
COURSE MARSHALS
Course Marshals maintain and deliver equipment to the corners and provide equipment and course support as needed during an event.