Special Shout Out to our Workers

[johnnewcomb62]

I just wanted to take a minute and give a special thanks to all our workers
who work our events for our club. I work with several of the clubs that run
at Barber as an instructor and was at Rezoom this past weekend and I can tell
you for sure, there is a big difference in the guys who get paid to work events
and those who don't. I have to say I was very disappointed by the behavior of
the corner workers this past weekend. I can't tell you how many of them I passed
and they were looking down, either texting or reading a book or whatever was
more important than what was going on out on the track. I guess because they
aren't doing it because they love to be there thats all you can expect. Also on
every cool down lap I waved to every corner worker and I can count on one hand
the number of return waves I got. The only one I seen that seemed to be on the
job and really paying attention the whole weekend ( consistantly ) was Chuck.
So thanks Chuck for doing the job.
SO TO ALL THE GUYS WHO LOVE BEING THERE AND WHO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT
IS GOING ON. AND WHO WANT TO SAVE ME AND MY CAR FROM A BAD SITUATION
THANKS!!!!!!!! AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John Newcomb.

[JohnW8]

Awesome.

Good job Chuck!

[chuck schultz]

Well, to be fair, I was brought fully to attention by the Ariel Atom that spun and hit the wall (twice) directly across from me on the out lap in the first (Advanced?) group while still under full-course caution. I figured that, with a start like that, anything could happen.

[nicktcr]

Yeah when I was there taking some pics, I noticed how complacent many of the workers looked. Most were sitting, or propped up on the box or something and just didn't really seem to be "into" it all.

But I appreciate the thanks! I'm happy to help!

[chuck schultz]

Another note - the weather was cold and windy (at least by Alabama standards) and a lot of people misjudged the weather both days. As a result, some folks were hunkered down a bit to get out of the wind, but listening to the net and working a station where I could see a lot of stations directly, I can say I would've been happy with that group on corners if I'd been on track. In general, they got the flags out in a timely manner and communicated the info that the tower needed with a group that had an unusual number of Black Flag All situations, as well as a few bullies and a few clueless newbies in traffic.

[johnnewcomb62]

Chuck,

I am sure you know and are friends with most or all of the folks working out there
but, let me assure you they were a lot of them not paying attention. I wasn't the only
person who said something in the drivers meeting. And Greg was speaking of how there
would be a meeting with them, not sure if that happen or not! But also said he was going
to speak with the folks at the track about how much money they had to pay for the
corner workers that were just not doing the job. As a matter of fact there were a big
percentage of the folks that spoke up once the topic was brought up. Some of the guys
one in particular. ( He was in the turn at the end of the back straight ) He was either
texting or watching something in his lap most every time I passed.
Now I didn't start this post to bash those guys, just simply to say that I wouldl like
to thank our corner workers for doing such a good job and seeming to care when they
are out there at out events and I didn't see that with those guys this past weekend. I
hope I didn't ruffle anyone's feathers but on the other hand the truth is the truth and
since there were so many complaints maybe those with the ruffled feathers needs to
understand if they are gonna take that job. Then they need to work it!
AGAIN BIG SHOUT OUT TO OUR WORKERS WHO ARE OUT THERE AND LOVE WHAT THEY
DO AND I APPRECIATE THEM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cholewa]

Nothing wrong with calling slackers out. If nobody does it, then they get to keep slacking and your safety is endangered.

[chuck schultz]

I've been told that this shouldn't happen again. Specifically, ". . . make sure they know that is not acceptable and it is being taken care of."

I only do this stuff because I love watching folks run and the challenges of the duties. The stipends from those events who do pay basically cover my expenses over the year. However, most enthusiasts want to participate instead of volunteering, so getting reliable and engaged flaggers is an ongoing challenge.

Slightly related, I see that AMP is looking to recruit flaggers only from Dawson County. I wish them luck with that effort.

[slowautoxr]

I like flagging and definitely think it is a very important position. Now that I've been on the track and seen the corner workers from a different position - it's even more important than I thought.

I always thought it was nice that the drivers would wave to us at the end of a session - it really does make you feel appreciated. Of course there are some drivers that don't. Now that I've been on the track - I really don't understand why they don't.

[Michael Elsea]

Chuck is also a good at teaching people how to be a corner worker. I would have never known so much goes on in each corner and what to look for until I spent a day doing it