Anyone been a corner worker?

[asian312]

I get the opprotunity to watch this weekends event from the other side. Yup I get to point the blue flag at the Mustang that wont let the Mini pass

I'll be shadowing an experienced individual to learn the ropes. Any tips from the pros? Next best thing if I can't be racing...and it'll help pay for this habbit

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

Make sure you bring tons of layers, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. You will be out there for HOURS. Enjoy it also, itll be fun, and its a great way to learn how to take that corner and learn from the guys on the track as to what their mistakes where. During the touring laps, take you car out and of course slowly, go over where you think the line is best and then watch again when you have to work again.

Which track will you be working at?

 

[stealthTT]

I get the opprotunity to watch this weekends event from the other side. Yup I get to point the blue flag at the Mustang that wont let the Mini pass

I'll be shadowing an experienced individual to learn the ropes. Any tips from the pros? Next best thing if I can't be racing...and it'll help pay for this habbit

My tip: Make sure you know the rules frontwards and backwards; standing, waving, closed, pointing, two flags, etc. There is nothing more irritating as a racer than getting a flag and not knowing what to do because it was not explained at the driver's meeting or set in stone elsewhere for you to know.

Also: If a racer drives around on the cool-down lap and gives you the thumbs up you did good. If he gives you the finger, you were supposed to blue flag more of those cocky jerks who wouldn't let you pass in non-wheel-to-wheel racing.

But no seriously folks, as a racer, the least you can do is give the thumbs up for the guy that is standing in the weather (hot/cold/wind/rain/sleet), paying attention instead of watching the racing, and working instead of out there playing. Acknowledge them with a thumbs up. They might be more inclined to blue flag that jerk holding you up next session.

 

[asian312]

I'll be at Motorsports Ranch in Cresson, TX this weekend. Just SW of Ft. Worth.

I know the irritations of having corner workers who dont throw the blue flag, or hell even a yellow. At the end of the weekend I'm sure I'll have more appreciation for the guys that will be shivering in Dec. when I get back onto the track.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

Texas? When do you get shivering temperatures . How bout VIR in Feb when its snowing during a race event.

 

[asian312]

Hey now! We had snow last year! A whole .5" or so

 

[Dream On]

I work the corner on occasion. Doesn't pay well enough though.

 

[asian312]

Pay is one thing, but since I can't attend anyways at least I'm making headway on the next one.

 

[Ludachris]

I've only actually worked grid, no corners. But I can tell you one thing - be prepared for all weather. I've felt so bad for some of those guys/gals. You know they didn't expect heavy wind and cold ass weather.

Also, try and pay attention to the cars early on, when they're coming out of the previous corner workers' area when possible so you can get a better idea of who needs a flag waved at them. I've seen some corner workers focusing too much on what's happening right in front of them and not really seeing what's going on before the cars get to their corner. Just practice using your peripheral vision - I guess that's what I'm trying to say

 

[Elvenhome21]

almost all of the corner workers at road america are volunteers, Free races to watch and you don't have to put up with the complaining like a corner worker would in circle track.
I worked as a corner worker, line up lane, push truck, tow truck, broom crew and tower offical. (141 Speedway) By far the nicest job that i worked was a road course corner worker at (USA International)

 

[asian312]

Working a corner gives you such appreciation for those that flag for you when you drive. It was a chilly 39 degrees not including wind chill in the morning. I wore every article of clothing I brought up there all day long. A lot was learned both about working the corner/flagging and driving (well that turn anyways). Turn 8 at MSR is an uphill 170 coming off a series of esses. I was in charge of the yellow flag, and Bill my tutor was handling the blue flag (he was popping that flag off like crazy). Both the lead and departing stretches of track were passing zones varying from class level. So if I had to give my top 3 tips from this weekend.

1) Look with your body (hips and legs) and peripheral vision. Spinning your neck will result in pain...much pain (and that was only the first session).
2) As the fields go by, try to memorize color and number. Otherwise you end up saying red RX7 or black Lambo.
3) Driver's tip: Make your numbers really big....like 20-24" in height. Corner workers will love you. And don't use tape the same color as your car...doh

Can't wait to be a driver on this track.