Question for the Group

[Rtrorkt]

I will be on my way to work the Baku F1 race. Just wondering if anyone is interested in a bit of a travel log as I make my way there and work as a marshal. Would post pics and impressions

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

I will be on my way to work the Baku F1 race. Just wondering if anyone is interested in a bit of a travel log as I make my way there and work as a marshal. Would post pics and impressions

Yes, please!

[RNajarian]

Baku Azerbaijan??

No thank you. I’ve been there, was nearly killed because of my religion.

Good luck to you.

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

I will be on my way to work the Baku F1 race. Just wondering if anyone is interested in a bit of a travel log as I make my way there and work as a marshal. Would post pics and impressions

I think it's a great idea and look forward to it.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Awesome opportunity

Yes, please!

[Seahawk]

Is this it?:

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/azerbaijan/circuit

I'd enjoy your insights...place I have never been.

[Rtrorkt]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Is this it?:

https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/azerbaijan/circuit

I'd enjoy your insights...place I have never been.

Yes, that is it. Not sure what task I will have. Been radio marshal for Miami and Vegas so maybe that. Asked to have a spot around the castle. We will see.

Glad to see there is some interest

[Rtrorkt]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

Baku Azerbaijan??

No thank you. I’ve been there, was nearly killed because of my religion.

Good luck to you.

Very sorry to hear. I have done a lot of international work in Bahrain, UAE, Egypt and Saudi with no issues. As always I keep my wits about me and my passport in my pocket. International travel as become second nature to me.

Be interested to know why your religion was an issue

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

Very sorry to hear. I have done a lot of international work in Bahrain, UAE, Egypt and Saudi with no issues. As always I keep my wits about me and my passport in my pocket. International travel as become second nature to me.

Be interested to know why your religion was an issue

If I participate anymore on this thread it will go south very fast.

PM me and I’ll be glad to explain.

[wildthing]

If you are able to share, how does one get into this kind of volunteer thing? I have 80 hours of volunteer time off, this is something worth it...

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

I will be on my way to work the Baku F1 race. Just wondering if anyone is interested in a bit of a travel log as I make my way there and work as a marshal. Would post pics and impressions

Uh, hell yes...

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Originally Posted by RNajarian

If I participate anymore on this thread it will go south very fast.

PM me and I’ll be glad to explain.

Need to start a 'I was Nearly Killed' thread

If you go 1st, I've got a few stories from around the world I'd share and I'm sure we're not the only survivors on here

[RNajarian]

I’ve got a few. . .

Azerbaijan, Iraq, Honduras, over the Persian Gulf (this one was almost because of me-photo attached) . . .



Perhaps it should start in PARF

[Rtrorkt]

Did not mean to start a controversy. Will just straight up relate my experience

[Rtrorkt]

Originally Posted by wildthing

If you are able to share, how does one get into this kind of volunteer thing? I have 80 hours of volunteer time off, this is something worth it...

I started flagging at Laguna Seca. Did club races, IMSA and IndyCar along with pre and reunion. Got a tip to reach out to Miami last year. Got in there and worked Vegas. I will say it can be a bit of a thankless task but you are right on the track. As radio marshal I’m communicating with race control so I hear what is happening around the track. On a whim I reached out to both Spa and Baku. Got accepted at both but could not do Spa so it’s Baku. I’m advised to bring a suitcase with empty space for the swag. The international marshals I talked with at Miami and Vegas say the Baku race organizers do a great job of taking care of the volunteers. Once I get there free room and board.

If you have any race experience I’m pretty sure you would be welcome

[RNajarian]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

Did not mean to start a controversy. Will just straight up relate my experience

No controversy, didn’t mean to hi-jack the thread

[astrochex]

Originally Posted by wildthing

If you are able to share, how does one get into this kind of volunteer thing? I have 80 hours of volunteer time off, this is something worth it...

When I started flagging in SoCal, I had zero experience. CalClub was awesome, they were very welcoming. I did Indycar and IMSA races and Formula E.

Years later, now in Florida, I need SCCA membership to flag. SCCA would be a good place to start and or whatever track is local to you. Good luck, it is fun and a great experience.

I look forward to hearing Rtrorkt adventures at Baku.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Originally Posted by wildthing

If you are able to share, how does one get into this kind of volunteer thing? I have 80 hours of volunteer time off, this is something worth it...

Wildthing, go for it, if you don't, you'll always regret not trying

Rtrorkt bet you never imagined you'd end up marshaling F1 races, let alone in Azerbaijan, really pleased for you

Paul, that sounds like some amazing experiences, I too look forward to hearing about Baku adventures

You asked and look how much trouble it's got you into

Was only 25yrs old and got myself into a heap of fun trouble, will spare the long story which is quite funny

I asked to volunteer.....

With no previous experience and within a few months I became Technical Commissioner working for the Union Internationale Motonautique (powerboat racing world governing body) looking after the F1 inshore powerboat series which is the highest level of world championship inshore powerboat racing

I wrote cockpit safety rules, went to Monaco for meetings, in charge of all boat technical scrutineers, inspections and boat safety at events in countries like France, Germany, Greece, Russia, Italy, UAE

Firm believer of, 'if you don't ask you don't get!'

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by Rtrorkt

...I make my way there and work as a marshal.

Oh, marshalling the race is definitely worth being proud of. I'm sure not everyone gets selected, let alone can afford to fill the role.

Do you know if you'll be a trackside, pit, or flag marshal?

[Bob Kontak]

Looking forward to this.

I spent two weeks there on business in 2005. I loved it. On big oil's dime so I had it pretty easy.