A MOTOR racing fan has been picked as best in Britain at persuading people to spend their free time working trackside.

Nadine Lewis joined the best – and fastest – car drivers in the country at their annual prize night in London where she was crowned Marshal of the Year for 2009 by the sport’s governing body; the Motor Sports Association (MSA).

She is the first woman to win the award.

“Nobody knew who the heck I was,” she said.

“But by the end, drivers were coming over to thank me for the work that marshals do. That was a fantastic gesture.”

Nadine, who lives in Northwich, turned up for a trial more than a decade ago after a friend heard an advert on the radio touting for volunteers.

She admits now she was not sure what to expect at first.

“I was hooked the moment I had a TVR land at my feet!” she quipped.

“It’s like a hobby, I suppose.

“One of the perks is that we get into meetings for free and we do get to see the action up close, but it can be very hard work.

“We do get to put out fires, move wrecked cars out of the way or dust drivers down after a crash while on other days, there might not be a single incident.

“I think people like the unpredictability though.”

Now Nadine, of Beach Road in Hartford, is chief incident marshal at Oulton Park and Anglesey circuits as well as being in charge of tempting newcomers to don the distinctive orange overalls at race meetings.

She is also a member of the British Motorsport Marshals Club, which has lauded her with its own Unipart Trophy for best marshal in addition to her other prize.

“It came as a huge surprise [to win],” she admitted.

“My job is simple really; I try to find ways to get people to come along and give marshalling a go.”

Now, after 13 years as an active participant, she is as keen as ever.

Last month, she fronted a successful training day at Oulton Park where the latest crop of marshals got a taste of action for the first time.

“I have had a love for the sport and the spectacle it provides for as long as I can remember,” she said.

“I wanted to find a way to get involved and this was just perfect for me.”

Anybody interested in learning more about marshalling can sample a race day at Oulton Park on Saturday, March 27.

Volunteers must be over 16-years-old.

To find out more, call Nadine on 01606 781840.