The Motorsport Marshalling Partnership (MMP) was set up in 2000 by a number of motor clubs with the aim of recruiting more marshals, encourage marshals to help at more events, reward marshals for their contribution helping at events, and provide training to improve marshals skills. The motor clubs work together to achieve the common goals by providing a marshals incentive and reward scheme.
Over the years, hundreds of marshals have enjoyed their rewards, which have ranged from MMP branded clothing to driving days at rally a school – from kart racing to 4×4 driving, from trips to WRC events in Catalonia and Portugal to Rally Isle of Man. And of course some exhilarating rides in rally cars which have included the Peugeot British Rally Team, Brendan Crealey in the works Mitsubishi and top local drivers such as Niall McShea and Eugene Donnelly.
The MMP run a dedicated reward day at Kirkistown race track for marshals as a reward for their efforts, and the top marshals each year receive their rewards at the annual motorsport prizegiving awards ceremony, alongside all the other Northern Ireland motorsport champions.
In terms of training, marshals have had opportunities at tackling realistic incidents, firefighting, cutting up cars and removing the occupants, first aid and many other skills required for motorsport such as crowd control, timekeeping and operating radios.
Today at Kirkistown it was a chance for the drivers to say a huge thank you to those MMP members by giving them free runs in the co-drivers seat of the fastest circuit in Ireland…
