Every time I’ve thought about writing this article, I wanted to use that title – “Fun with flags” … and for the geeks out there, yes – it always makes me think of Big Bang Theory! Although that is where the similarity ends.

I decided to try flagging as my partner, Martin, is always going to track events and I’m either tagging along or don’t go because he’s not on the track and just chin-wagging. I’ve been really enjoying my time at the track and add to that super enjoying the BMWDCM community, so I wanted to be more a part of it – but I didn’t want to drive.

There is always a need for volunteers, so I signed up. I didn’t expect to be flagging. I thought I’d get an admin / numbers task, given my accounting background. The first volunteer opportunity asked of me was flagging – I was thinking ‘I have no clue!’, but Jo assured me I would be trained, and she was more than true to her word.

I was buddied with Andy and lucky enough to be at start / finish for the morning, which gave me great exposure to that flagging element. Andy was great in training me in all the flagging requirements, even those that weren’t needed on the day. With the combination of my inquisitive nature and Andy’s open and easy-going style, we rehearsed all the flagging requirements, embedding a great foundation for my understanding and flagging future!

It was a cold day, and in the afternoon, I became even colder – to a point I would usually not tolerate, but the activity was so enjoyable that it didn’t’ bother me and I simply moved to keep warm and continue enjoying the day. As I crewed my post, I recognised the cars of those I knew from BMWDCM – I was so close to the action! Each time they came around I could see right away how they were performing compared to the other times.

This was extra cool as not only was I recognising our members, but I was looking out for my partner, my son and his fiancé’! The timing of our trip to Broadford for the ‘come and try’ day coincided with my eldest’s b’day and with our timing of selling the car that Martin takes on the track.

It’s important to deviate from the track-side to something else wonderful about this trip and to acknowledge a very special lady, Lucy, who bought a b’day cake for my son, which was brought out at the evening dinner. She had the whole BMW crew helping us celebrate! Thank you, Lucy!

Ok, this is also where I need to fess-up that we took a Toyota 86 to Broadford, not a BMW (but don’t’ be disappointed, it was a means to an end, and it’s now gone with an E30 in its place).

I recognised the “family” race car each time it came around the track, but the driver was another matter! I thought the kids were getting really brave, only to find out later the lad that yelled and waved out the window was just Martin, my partner.

I loved my day of flagging. I spent the afternoon at a different spot with a different buddy and looked forward to doing it again.

This happened at Philip Island. And this is when I truly realised, I LOVE FLAGGING!

The call went out for flaggers for Philip Island and aligned with a break from my workload, so I went for it! I encouraged my partner (usually a driver/ pit-crew) to give it a go also, which he did (and loved, but he can tell that story). I was given my own post – just me. I was a little nervous, but confident and excited. I also took the time to get a lift out with the flag deliverer – helping drop off the flags whilst testing out my memory on the requirements and gaining the local insights.

This time I had come more prepared – suncream and hot packs! I was on my own, but I remembered my training and I went into action! It was extra challenging and therefore extra fun adapting to the different events. The two Porsche in one event meant the blue flag was a constant – as they were lapping everyone! In other rounds the vehicles rarely needed a blue flag – but other course action was prevalent with a few gravel detours, and we even had a lack of adhesion opportunity. That was a good refresher that now all flags are waved – some need to be held.

A huge thank you to Andy for the great training and to Jo for setting me up for success! I’m very much looking forward to flagging again and I recommend you give it a go - at least once!

Jenny Rose | Member #887
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne