Today we have the pleasure of interVIEWing Mr. Subash, who has served as a Paddock Marshal, for more than 15 years and a recipient of the maiden FMSCI Award for Volunteers & Officials for his exemplary service.
From installing transponders on race machines to performing quick swaps between vehicles under high-pressure conditions, Mr. Subash’s calm efficiency and deep technical knowledge have made him an indispensable part of the race control ecosystem.
Beyond his technical expertise, what truly sets him apart is his unwavering commitment to the sport. He’s consistently gone beyond his assigned duties to ensure the success of each event. For national and international racing communities, he’s more than a marshal—he’s a trusted professional who brings consistency, focus, and dedication to every paddock he enters.
Subash, first of all Congratulations on winning the prestigious FMSCI Volunteers & Officials award. You have been a paddock marshal for nearly 16 years. But how did it all start?
Mr.Subash receiving the prestigious FMSCI Volunteers & Officials Award from Mr.Arindam Ghosh, President FMSCI (Left of photo) and Mr.Zayn Khan, Chairman FMSCI V & O Commission
Thank You.
My interest in motorsports began during my college days. Through my social circle, I got an opportunity to volunteer in marshalling, and that’s where it all started. Since then, I’ve been closely associated with MMSC (Madras Motor Sports Club) for over 15 years.
Ok. But how did you get trained?
Most of my initial training came from senior marshals who mentored me during early events. I also had the valuable opportunity to learn from experienced international marshals, including the Bahrain team, which helped me further refine my skills—especially in areas of safety and protocol.
Tell us about your journey to your current position.
Currently I’m a senior Marshal with MMSC. Over the years, I gradually took on more responsibilities, starting from basic flagging and recovery roles, and eventually moved into more senior roles involving coordination and team leadership. My dedication and experience have helped me grow within the marshalling community
You have been associated with Madras Motor Sports Club, one of the most active motorsporting Clubs in India, almost from the beginning.
Yes, I’ve been actively associated with MMSC (Madras Motor Sports Club). It has been an incredible platform that has given me opportunities to work on a wide range of events, from local races to international championships.
MMSC has been instrumental in promoting motorsports in India. Their professionalism, structured approach to event management, and dedication to safety have been exemplary. They’ve provided consistent support to marshals and created a strong foundation for motorsport growth in the country.
Apart from MMSC, has any other Organiser used your expertise.
Yes, I’ve had the privilege to work with various organizers across the country for national and international events. It’s always exciting to collaborate with new teams and share best practices.
Your unforgettable moment?
One of the most unforgettable moments of my career was marshalling at my first Formula 1 race in Noida, Delhi. Being part of a world-class event on home soil was a proud and thrilling experience that I’ll always cherish.
What do you think a person interested in marshalling should do to enter this field?
Anyone interested in marshalling should start by connecting with local motorsport clubs or associations. Begin by volunteering at grassroots-level events to gain hands-on experience. It’s essential to develop a strong understanding of safety protocols, track behavior, and teamwork. Passion is important, but safety must always be the top priority. Learning from experienced marshals and attending certified training programs will help build both confidence and credibility
Your suggestions to improve marshalling and bring in more volunteers
Awareness is the first step—more outreach programs and workshops in colleges and communities can help attract new volunteers. Recognizing and rewarding volunteer efforts can also boost morale. Additionally, structured training programs with a strong emphasis on safety and clear growth paths will help retain and develop skilled marshals.
