Marshalling at the 2^nd Round of the World Superbike Championship,

Phillip Island 3^rd -5^th March, 2006

I’m totally stuffed... I'm in the marshals muster tent, sitting on one of those white plastic outdoor chairs almost paralysed with exhaustion. All the other marshals are slowly filtering in for the after-race BBQ and drinks. I'm beside the desk where all the marshals are returning their orange overalls for the weekend. Nothing is going to budge me. Vittoria and Karl have come today with the complementary Guest Pass. They've gone to get me some food...as I said, I wasn't moving.

I have been watching the various people come in and out; old friends, familiar faces and some new ones. A few of the racers are coming in for a talk to us; Kevin Curtain and Karl Muggeridge so far. Suddenly a very fresh and happy face comes towards the table and dumps a pile of posters. It's Troy Bayliss. He turns and looks at me. I think the look on my face conveyed my state. He comes straight over to me and shakes my hand. Suddenly all the effort is forgotten and I'm gleaming as much as he is. We exchange pleasantries and he's off to do his talk to the group.

I have had the chance to meet Troy on other occasions and he is always approachable, ready for a chat and thankful of the efforts the marshals put in.

Marshalling is a little like a community service, it's totally voluntary. However, you do feel great that you have contributed to such an important international event.

The days on the track can be long: 7 am start with a 6 pm finish, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Rain, hail or shine. For me, it’s worth it. You can't get closer to the action than this with an unobstructed view and you don't have to buy a ticket!

As a marshal you do get a few more "perks":

· Lunch is provided

· Supper and drink at the end of each day

· Pit access

· Program and poster

· Free camping at the track

· Guest pass (General entry, with pit access after the racing on Sunday)

· And perhaps most importantly, meet like minded people and develop life long friendships

Another dimension I have added to my 'race' weekends is the ride down to The Island via the hills. I usually take at least half of Thursday off and travel down mid afternoon. Typically from Brunswick I go up the "Tulla", then the Ring Road to Diamond Creek, Yarra Glen, Healesville, Warburton, Noojee, Korumburra and down to Wonthaggi. Time to chill out now on the heavily policed Bass Highway; ride through Kilcunda and onto The Island. I go straight to the track to pick up my credentials. This slightly longer journey takes only about an extra hour compared with the direct route, however, it is a million times more enjoyable and the scenery (as most of you would know) is spectacular.

I have been marshalling for 10 years now. It all started in 1997 with the Grand Prix at Phillip Island and I just keep coming back. Initially it was the "best view in the house" and for "free" that got me in. Now, it's still that, but it's the great friendships I've made and a chance to catch up if we haven't managed to between events. If you're interested in trying it out, let me know and I'll pass your details on. The MotoGP isn't that far away and the organisers are always looking for extra help!

Stoimen Stojanov

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