“I’ve worked with so many different skilled marshals who each gave me their tips and tricks for being a better prepared and efficient marshal,” explains Lone Star Region member Nadja Pollard. “I’ve always asked questions, and when I saw something that made a task easier or better for drivers, I added it to my marshal ‘playbook.’”
Pollard’s introduction to the SCCA® came via autocross while working races at Texas World Speedway. In 2001, she became a Club member to work the SCCA race at Texas World Speedway and she’s never looked back. But why check the mirror when your motorsport adventure now includes being a Flag Marshal at the Austin F1 Grand Prix?
“My favorite part of working a pro event is working with marshals from all over,” she explains. “I never stop being surprised that not everyone does things the same way, and it’s okay to change for the better.”
Pollard’s “pro” resume involves working, well, a lot. “I work all of the US-based FIA events, and as a COTA marshal, I try to work as many events there as possible including SRO, IMSA, NASCAR, and many of the private track days as well,” she says. “For SCCA, I work all of the SWDiv events as a steward and go to the Runoffs® for different roles.”
Working pro events teaches flexibility, she adds, making you not dwell on your mistakes. Pro events also pair you with marshals you don’t often work with because those weekends draw marshals from all over the world. “Their skills then tend to make it into your playbook as well,” she says. “All of that trickles down to better local marshals.”
Ultimately, she explains, listening and seat time prepare you for pro events. “Flagging rules vary from series to series, and making sure you are in a mode for the series you are working is important,” she insists. “If you have to make notes and tape them to your marshal stand to remember, do it!”
Next up for Pollard is the Oct. 17-19 ,2025, Formula 1 MSC Cruises United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas – but whether it’s working an FIA race or a Regional, the reason she returns to the track is the same. “I keep coming back for the people and the love of keeping drivers safe and happy,” she says.
Want to work trackside like Pollard? SCCA’s Trackside portion of its website will get you started.
Photo courtesy Nadja Pollard
