UNSUNG HEROES BEHIND THE SCENES...
30 May 2019
The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally, like so many other sporting events, rely solely on the volunteers who turn up in the day, no matter what our wonderful weather throws at them, and run the event on the ground.
Our team has three Stage Managers who have already been out working on the stages for months so we thought it was about time we caught up with them to find out what they've been up to.
Manager of the first stage out on 20th July is a face many of you will recognise, Harry Coulter.
"We've been busy over the past few months calling with residents on our various stages and I suppose, getting to know them. It's an interesting role, you meet a lot of people. Our job is to make contact, put a face to the event, gather relevant information and sort any concerns our residents have.
"This is the second year that I've committed my time to the Down Rally, but I did the same role for the Circuit of Ireland for several years so I knew what to expect. It's great when you go back and people remember you. I've heard some wonderful stories of family get togethers timed perfectly so everyone could enjoy the rally, I've even been invited to a few! I'm not sure Andy will give me time off, but it might be worth asking anyway."
Next up is Rathfriland Motor Club member Barry Savage. Barry is a regular competitor so we asked him why he gives up so much time to organise this event.
"I'm a member of Rathfriland Motor Club and we have organised the Down Rally since 2005. We may have a bigger team now but I still think of it as our home event. My last event competing was the McGrady Insurance Stages Rally at Bishopscourt so it's near time I was out again. I'll have more free time after this event in July.
"I have two stages to manage this year but I've had great support from our club members. We hope to have a Spectator Area with parking again on one of my stages, so that'll take up a few marshals, and we even have a groom who needs to get out of the stage to head to his wedding.
"We're lucky enough to have great Stage Commanders who will bring a team of experienced marshals with them, we'll just need to bulk up a few junctions and we'll be really to run."
Finally it is the turn of Ballynahinch and District Motor Club member Stephen Jess, his stage is the last of the loop.
"On the day of the event, I'll meet the Stage Commander, his deputy and the marshals for breakfast around 6am. We'll have maps with us to show marshals the junction they are responsible for and make sure they have contact numbers for each of us incase a problem arises.
"As well as the various emergency response crews, I'll need around twenty marshals for my stage. I prefer to be a few junctions from the start line, last year I was able to get across the fields to a potential problem without disrupting the event, so once the responsibility has been handed over to the folks on the ground and everyone is in location, I'll head into the stage myself.
"My brother and I both live on the stage so I knew most of the residents already, but it's great when you arrive at someone's door in November and they tell you how delighted they are that the rally will be back in July. I know of several families in the area of my stage who'd never been to a motorsport event before but who are already looking forward to the 20th July."
Whether you're competing or not, we owe our thanks to these three men and the teams of marshals who will take over each stage on the day. We hope their hard work gives you all a great days entertainment!
Anyone interested in volunteering on the event should get in touch via;
downrally.com
facebook.com/DownRally
twitter.com/DownRally
#CarryduffForklift #DownRally #SeriousCraic #Rally #SeriousPace #AreYouUpForIt #ModernClassic
Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship McGrady Insurance Northern Ireland Rally Championship FUCHS Lubricants
The Carryduff Forklift Down Rally, like so many other sporting events, rely solely on the volunteers who turn up in the day, no matter what our wonderful weather throws at them, and run the event on the ground.
Our team has three Stage Managers who have already been out working on the stages for months so we thought it was about time we caught up with them to find out what they've been up to.
Manager of the first stage out on 20th July is a face many of you will recognise, Harry Coulter.
"We've been busy over the past few months calling with residents on our various stages and I suppose, getting to know them. It's an interesting role, you meet a lot of people. Our job is to make contact, put a face to the event, gather relevant information and sort any concerns our residents have.
"This is the second year that I've committed my time to the Down Rally, but I did the same role for the Circuit of Ireland for several years so I knew what to expect. It's great when you go back and people remember you. I've heard some wonderful stories of family get togethers timed perfectly so everyone could enjoy the rally, I've even been invited to a few! I'm not sure Andy will give me time off, but it might be worth asking anyway."
Next up is Rathfriland Motor Club member Barry Savage. Barry is a regular competitor so we asked him why he gives up so much time to organise this event.
"I'm a member of Rathfriland Motor Club and we have organised the Down Rally since 2005. We may have a bigger team now but I still think of it as our home event. My last event competing was the McGrady Insurance Stages Rally at Bishopscourt so it's near time I was out again. I'll have more free time after this event in July.
"I have two stages to manage this year but I've had great support from our club members. We hope to have a Spectator Area with parking again on one of my stages, so that'll take up a few marshals, and we even have a groom who needs to get out of the stage to head to his wedding.
"We're lucky enough to have great Stage Commanders who will bring a team of experienced marshals with them, we'll just need to bulk up a few junctions and we'll be really to run."
Finally it is the turn of Ballynahinch and District Motor Club member Stephen Jess, his stage is the last of the loop.
"On the day of the event, I'll meet the Stage Commander, his deputy and the marshals for breakfast around 6am. We'll have maps with us to show marshals the junction they are responsible for and make sure they have contact numbers for each of us incase a problem arises.
"As well as the various emergency response crews, I'll need around twenty marshals for my stage. I prefer to be a few junctions from the start line, last year I was able to get across the fields to a potential problem without disrupting the event, so once the responsibility has been handed over to the folks on the ground and everyone is in location, I'll head into the stage myself.
"My brother and I both live on the stage so I knew most of the residents already, but it's great when you arrive at someone's door in November and they tell you how delighted they are that the rally will be back in July. I know of several families in the area of my stage who'd never been to a motorsport event before but who are already looking forward to the 20th July."
Whether you're competing or not, we owe our thanks to these three men and the teams of marshals who will take over each stage on the day. We hope their hard work gives you all a great days entertainment!
Anyone interested in volunteering on the event should get in touch via;
downrally.com
facebook.com/DownRally
twitter.com/DownRally
#CarryduffForklift #DownRally #SeriousCraic #Rally #SeriousPace #AreYouUpForIt #ModernClassic
Protyre Asphalt Rally Championship McGrady Insurance Northern Ireland Rally Championship FUCHS Lubricants
