Object number: AMHT-2015-029-002
Object Description: Paper Armbands for AMOC Race Officials
Object Type: Ephemera
With Goodwood Revival having happened recently, I have been thinking about racing. Not personally going racing, but how much racing has featured in not only Aston Martin’s history, but also the history of the Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC).
The club is well known for events such as the St John Horsfall Trophy race, Wiscombe Hill Climb competitions and Curborough Race Sprints to name a few. Numerous AMOC members have taken part with their cars over the years, but there are many other people responsible for event organisation, stewarding and hospitality who are essential for these events to occur.
I’ve picked these paper armbands as the ‘object in focus’ partly because they are quite colourful and eye catching, but mainly to highlight some of the different non-racing roles that are required at racing events.
Generally classed as ephemera, this is a term for items that were never originally intended to be kept or were produced for a short term reason, but have subsequently been collected and preserved. Simple in design but perfectly effective in function, these bands are 28cm long and 9cm wide, with brass eyelets at either end and a length of string for attaching them to your arm. Each have the AMOC logo printed at the top and the role name in capitals underneath. The obligatory health and safety warning about the dangers of motor racing are printed on the back, as well as a ‘no dogs admitted’ note.
Some roles may sound more self explanatory than others, but this particular collection of bands consists of the following:
Flag Marshal – using various coloured flags, they signal to drivers about potential hazards (white, yellow, red/yellow flags), warnings about being lapped (blue flags), or communicating race progress (red or green flags).
Runner - responsible for delivering messages and reports whenever other methods of communication such as a radio are impractical or the information is too sensitive to be broadcast.
Observer – stationed at a particular post, they monitor the standards of driving, watch for incidents and report any safety concerns about the competing cars.
Official - ensures that the event is run in accordance with the regulations.
Marshal – can cover a wide range of duties in the paddock, the start line or being on track, in order to keep drivers and spectators safe while helping the race run smoothly.
Doctor – a currently registered medical professional on site in case of any emergencies.
Press – responsible for photographing and documenting the event. Their band is the only one with a ‘valid for’ and an ‘issued by’ section.
The unsung event heroes who may have worn these arm bands might not have been heaped with the glory of a winning driver, but they certainly deserve a toast to their commitment to making these racing events happen. “Cheers!”.
Bryony Gray
