Where do I go for Race Meetings?

Mallala Motor Sport Park (Mallala)
Mallala Motor Sport Park – Mallala is 55km North of Adelaide and 2km North of the Mallala township. Approach from Adelaide via Highway 1 (Pt Wakefield Road), turn right off Highway 1 at Two Wells, and continue on to Mallala and straight through the large intersection in Mallala. Once at the circuit, if the event is a major event (such as Mallala All Historics), you may need to collect your pass from the credentials office to the left of the entry road, before passing through the ticket booths. Once you have collected your credentials, or if they are not required, follow the road on this map to the Officials car park, then walk to the SAMROA shed.

Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (The Bend)
The Bend is located about 9km East of the Tailem Bend township on the Dukes Hwy heading towards Melbourne.  Tailem Bend itself is just under 100km East of Adelaide.
The SAMROA sign-on area for most events is generally in the Scrutineering Shed at the southern end of the Pit Building. For national events this is often at the Muster Shed, on the right hand side before entering the pit paddock. However, it can change depending on the event.  Please check your emails for details. Car parking is normally available adjacent sign-on.

What do I need to bring with me?

Wear suitable clothing for the weather and shouldn’t clash with flag colours (Orange is good), fully enclosed shoes (sneakers are fine), a hat (or beanie on cold days) and some water to drink. It may be a good idea to bring something to eat in case you get hungry before the lunch break (lollies are fine). Try to get a good sleep the night before.

Most members have a backpack with the following items:

• Club overalls
• Hat and beanie
• Wet weather gear
• Ear protection (ear muffs or ear plugs)
• Sunscreen
• Eye protection (just some sun glasses to protect your eyes from the sun)
• Insect Repellent to keep the flies away
• Gloves for picking up sharp or hot objects of the track
• Large Plastic bag to put your backpack in when it rains
• Whistle used as a warning device
• Motorsport Australia licence (if you have one)
• Pen and a small note pad for writing notes
• A folding chair so you are able to rest your legs between events
• Belt for carrying the radio
• A watch

What time should I get there?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the briefing starts so we are able to give you a short briefing on the “DOs & DON’Ts”, what your tasks and responsibilities will be during the day and teach you how to wave a flag. You will also have the chance to chat to the other officials and start to get to know us all.

How much do officials get paid?

Nothing at all. We’re all volunteers and enjoy doing what we do.

It is not possible (without driving) to get closer to the action than we do.

However, we do not pay any entry fees, and depending on the event we may also get free guest passes, meals, fuel vouchers, and other freebies, but these are not guaranteed and are greatly appreciated when we do receive them.

Where do I go for Monthly Meetings?

See HERE for more information.

How much is club membership?

Club membership is currently $45 per year.

What do I get for my membership fee?

Other than a warm fuzzy feeling, you also receive a bi-monthly newsletter, as well as other “extra” such as entitlement to the Reward & Recognition Scheme, organised training, discounts to our annual dinner and other various entitlements.

I have more questions, is there someone I can ask?

Yes, if you have any more questions, you may use our web form found HERE , or you may wish to contact our New Member Contact via email

What is the membership process?

To become a member, you will initially be asked to attend a minimum of 3 race meetings, this is just to be sure this is for you before asking to hand over your hard-earned.

Once you have attended three meetings, you will be asked to fill out a membership application form (and payment of membership fee) which also needs to be endorsed by a current member, and then handed to our Training and Competition Committee.

Assuming you are approved, you will receive a information pack and letter welcoming you to the club.

Can I invite friends/family to come with me to a race meeting?

Absolutely…

If your guest(s) also wish to participate with us, then they can come with you to the shed where all appropriate paperwork will be handled. Remember though that all trackside officials are required to be aged 16 and over, and all officials under the age of 18 require parental consent before they are able to participate.

If your guest(s) wish to simply watch the racing, this is not a problem and there are generally plenty of places where this can be done. Just remember though that your guest(s) will not be able to be with you while you are on duty. Also remember that depending on the meeting, your guest(s) may need to pay for a ticket receiving any free tickets is not guaranteed.

The under 18 indemnity form can be found HERE (just make sure the bottom part is singed and bring it to Mallala).

How close to the racing can I get?

You will not be able to get any closer without being a driver. Have a look at some of the photos in our Photo gallery which will give you an idea of how close to the action we are.

Is it dangerous?

Potentially..

Like anything in life there are risks, and as the back of all motorsport tickets say, “Motorsport is Dangerous”, however the risks are very low and proactive care is taken to further minimise the risks. The committee has a member who is responsible for OH&S for officials and any concerns can be raised with any committee member .

If you are unsure about these risks, our suggestion would be to still come to an event, and if you do not wish to take any further part, just let the senior official know.

Is there a required uniform?

All SAMROA members are encouraged to wear our club uniform.  The shirt can be purchased once you become a member.  Pants can be purchased from safety stores and online retailers. More information is available once you become a member.

Until you purchase your own uniform, we have some old overalls which you can borrow from the shed at Mallala. If your first events are at The Bend, wear sturdy but comfortable shirt, long trousers and fully enclosed shoes or boots. Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket to keep the weather out (not just rain, it gets windy too).

I have a disability and/or a medical condition, can I still participate?

This is a tough one and really depends on the disability and medical condition.

While the club does not discriminate, if you are unable to quickly run to avoid being hit by a car or debris, or you are unable to concentrate on a task for an extended period, then you really should not be there as it can be unsafe for both yourself and fellow officials. There are roles at motorsport events that are out of harms way and we can point you in the right direction.

Generally medical conditions such as diabetes are not a problem, but please consult your doctor if you are unsure.

If you would like to find out whether you are able to be involved or not, please contact our new member contact via email.

Are there any age requirements?

Yes, there are.

All trackside officials are required to be 16 years old and over. Also, all officials under the age of 18 are required to have a parental consent form signed by a parent or guardian for EACH meeting.

More information can be found on Motorsport Australia’s website HERE, and the under 18 indemnity form can be found HERE (just make sure the bottom part is signed).