Fast cars and women often go hand in hand, so the Castle Combe circuit near Chippenham is hoping to attract even more lady marshals to help at its race meetings.

A band of around 40 female marshals already operate at the circuit’s meetings throughout the year, undertaking duties such as flagging, grid and pit organisation and administration.

The Chief Marshal of the Castle Combe Racing Club, which runs the car race meetings at Castle Combe, also happens to be female. Nicki Fawdington said, “Although we have lady marshals engaged in all kinds of duties, they still only represent about 13% of our total. Whilst motor racing is often seen as a male dominated sport, we are finding increasing numbers of ladies are becoming involved and we want to do everything we can to encourage them. This is why we are particularly keen to have them come along to our annual marshals training day.” She added, “Lady marshals can certainly hold their own with the men. I have risen to the ranks of Chief Marshal and Fiona Watts from Devizes was a nominee for Marshal of the Year having had many commendations for her flagging. She is just 19 and at University.”

Held on Sunday 15 March, the day provides potential race day marshals with an insight into the skills required. The recruits are shown a number of skills such as fire-fighting, first aid, dealing with incidents, communications and logistics and no experience is required.

As well as learning some useful new skills, Nicki says there could be other benefits too. “Becoming involved as a marshal is a great way for single girls to meet an eligible young racing driver. It may not be Monaco, but it still has plenty of thrills, excitement and fit young men and here is a great place to meet them. It’s also nice for our mainly men drivers to see a few more female faces!”

To take part, simply turn up at the circuit by 8.00 am on the day. There is no obligation or cost and no special equipment is needed, apart from outdoor clothing. Refreshments are provided.

The event takes place in the Wiltshire College building, just inside the entrance to the Camp Corner car park and runs until 5pm.

Further information can be obtained from Nicki Fawdington via e-mail on afawdington@hotmail.com or by contacting Emma Burns at the Circuit office on (01249) 782417.