A lot has changed in the past 47 years of SCCA Club Racing. Something that hasn’t: women still love volunteering as flaggers! The following was published in the February, 1969 issue of SportsCar Magazine; Written by Sally S. Caroline, New England Region.
Believe me, it's a ball. Your first association with The Sport may leave you feeling that it's terribly noisy and terribly dirty, and not much else—especially if that association is on the other side of the spectator fence. You're right it is terribly noisy and dirty, but it's also very exciting. And there is a place for women on the inside of this sport: an important and exciting and rewarding place.
When I started flagging, I didn't know an Alfa from a Cobra—and I knew absolutely nothing about racing or flagging. I was out on a flag station (against my better judgment, I might add) because my date brought me there. One day was all it took to get me hooked. The noise and the dust are forgotten after that first post-race beer, but the excitement and sense of belonging linger. And that proud day when the coveted flag and communications license is handed to you is very special indeed.
What's in it for a girl? Exactly what's in it for a guy: hard work, long hours, good fellowship, a feeling of accomplishment, and plenty of excitement. A girl is not a second-class flagger. She is a valuable and respected member of a team—dedicated to The Sport and its safety. Yes, there are limitations. A girl doesn't ever go to an emergency incident because—well, try to carry one of those fire extinguishers (or even get it off the ground!) and you'll understand why we remain on station. And, if there is an accident, what do we do? Watch? Sure, but for a purpose. We man the phones and tell Control what is happening; we display the flags to protect the drivers and our fellow workers from danger; and we stay on our toes and help in every way we can. On the average quiet day, guys and gals rotate duties, with the understanding that should an incident occur, we stand ready to relieve a man of phones or flags if he is needed elsewhere. We work the same hours, get as hot in the sun, as cold in the wind, and as wet in the rain, as dirty and tired as the men—and we get the same rewards: dash plaques, licenses, invitations to special events, and a great feeling of doing something fun and important.
A couple of added bonuses: you get to meet all those handsome drivers, and. the male-to-female ratio on any given flag station is generally around 4:1, even sometimes higher. Not bad, really.
The requirements for joining? You must be at least 21 and able-bodied (i.e., able to get out of your own way and probably someone else’s). In addition, you'll need some white clothes, such as shorts, jeans, sweatshirt, sneakers—which will stay white for all of five minutes. Then, pack a lunch (in case lunch break never materializes, as is often the case), and sign in at the track registration booth early Saturday morning. You'll be assigned to a station with an instructor (male) and become a working member of the group immediately. We all love The Sport, and if you have any enthusiasms along this line, that's a good beginning. Welcome friend!
