The official announcement of the formation of the SMMC Motorsport Radio Group was made in Marshals Post (No 51) in August 1986 and an inaugural meeting was held in March 1987. However, the history of the Radio Group goes back somewhat further, in that radio training was included as part of a SMMC Marshals Training day at Blair Castle in March 1984, while individual operators used 86 sets on the Scottish and RAC rallies from around 1979. In those days, radios were delivered to stage starts and finishes to provide some form of communication coverage, before Controlling of the 86 net and mobile telephone links to Rally HQ were even contemplated.

 

The Tartan callsign was adopted by the Group in early 1987 and Club records indicate that our first official engagement was at the Charterhall Stages Rally in May of that year. From humble beginnings, the Radio Group has grown significantly over the last 10-15 years. We now have approximately 65 members and 30 radio crews licensed under the Tartan callsign. Of course, not all of the members of the Group use Tartan, but all are welcome to work with us on those events where we operate together as the SMMC Motorsport Radio Group.

For several years now, we have provided a complete communications service for most rounds of the Scottish Rally Championship and of course a number of single venue rallies. In addition, we have encouraged experienced radio operators to take up Control duties, such that we now boast several fully licensed and probationary Controllers. On many events, we provide a Controller in Rally HQ to help event organisers and ensure the flow of information to and from the stages is carried out efficiently.

It should also be noted that most of our radio crews are experienced rally marshals and regularly help with time controls and other duties on those events where we do not provide communication services, or radios are not required. In this way, our crews maintain a close association with marshals and understand the duties of all stage officials.

The Radio Group has always demonstrated a firm commitment to training - since 1999, we have trained some 60 individuals, many of whom are not members of SMMC. Naturally, there is no substitute for being out on the stages and learning in a live radio environment, so please contact us using the feedback form to learn how you could become involved.