This weekend was my first venture in to flagging a club race. I have worked F&C at TGPR time trial events before, and had even managed to drag my wife along in the past. We enjoyed those events, but they were not club races. We decided to help out at Barber this past weekend, and it was great.
Flagging at TGPR is laid back. From most any station you can see 80% of the track. The cars are spread out as many competitors want the most distance between them and the next driver to wring out their best lap times. You know what's coming and how you should deal with it.
Barber is different. You can see only your corner, and maybe the approaching straightaway. The cars show up and disappear in an instant, inches from one another. These guys aren't slowing down to open up a gap ... they are pushing 100% every inch of every lap.
The F&C volunteers are the only signal these drivers have of what lies around the next corner.
I'll admit, it was a little unnerving to hop in to this kind of situation. One where you can't quite grasp the importance of your position until the instant you throw the flag that prevents a crash. However, once that happens, you completely understand the role you play and why you are one of the most important people at the track that weekend. You're not here for free lunch and a sweet spectator position. This is serious.
If you have considered working races, please do yourself a favor and sign up for the next one you can make. The experience is truly exhilarating and rewarding. It will be a weekend to remember. A weekend where you know you were the person that made the race a success.
I hope to see you at a flagging station soon!