Motorsport marshals enjoy the privilege of being closer to the action than most on a race weekend, but one marshal will be getting even closer this weekend (2-3 September), as he prepares for his race debut.
Julze Batten from Uttoxeter has marshalled at Donington Park and other circuits around the country for several years, but instead of waving warning flags and assisting drivers who may have taken an excursion into a Donington gravel trap, he will be aiming for the chequered flag and avoiding outside assistance from his marshal colleagues!
Julze will be racing in the Kumho BMW Championship this weekend at the wheel of a BMW 318is and recently passed his ARDS test at Donington Park, in order to gain the licence to go racing, as well as undertaking further track sessions with the Motorsports School. Additional support has come from Kraftwerk Tools UK, Whole Tone Media, Tolman Motorsport and UK Barn Finds. He will be racing three times on Sunday, in a packed grid of similar cars that should provide plenty of wheel to wheel action.
Julze commented: "I'm really looking forward to my debut race, being at my home circuit and where I first started marshalling. The support from Donington Park itself makes it even more special to me, I don't think it's actually sunk in yet, that my dreams are coming true.
"I don't think any of this would have happened if it wasn't for Neil Oxborrow at Kraftwerk Tools UK; he's been the power behind the 'Julze journey'. I'm just buzzing. I would like to thank all the 'Orange Army' and all at Donington for the support, I hope I do you all proud."
Fans can follow the 'Julze Journey' via https://www.facebook.com/juraracing/.
Julze's appearance in the Kumho BMW Championship is part of the busy race weekend for the British Automobile Racing Club (BARC), which will see further contests for a number of saloon and sports car championships.
Britcar Endurance headlines the action with a stunning range of sports and saloon cars that will bring a flavour of Le Mans to Donington Park this weekend. Look out for Ferraris, Aston Martins, Moslers and Porsches among others.
The hugely popular and value-for-money Hyundai Coupe Cup series is also on the billing as it continues to grow in its second full season with the BARC.
Youngsters from the Junior Saloon Car Championship will also continue their battle for superiority whilst the BARC South East Centre Tin Tops and Intermarque categories will also compete, with an eclectic mix of cars expected to do battle.