At this year’s Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, there are 914 volunteer officials on deck to help put on the annual four-day event.
 
Some are new, many are returnees and are all are at Albert Park because they love the sport and want to see the best drivers in the world do battle.
 
Within the huge community of dedicated officials back for another year, husband and wife officials Gail and Colin Smith are two of the more experienced figures.
 
Having been Motorsport Australia officials for more than 40 years, the Smiths have been to almost every single Formula 1 event since it came to Australia in the 1980s, with the two only missing the first couple of the years.   
 
In charge of organising incident, medical and scrutineering reports, the couple’s role was initially created by the late Peter Nelson many years ago and has remained an important part of the event systems to this day.
 
Both life members of the Australian Sports Sedans Association, Gail originally joined to spend more time with an already active Colin but has loved being a Motorsport Australia official ever since.
 
“It sort of began for me when I married Colin and I decided that if you can't beat them, join them and then I took over,” Gail said.
 
“We started to do a state race meetings at Winton, and then did more events at Calder, Phillip Island and Sandown. We also do a lot with the Australian Sports Sedans Association.
 
“We have really enjoyed every minute of it. Even our children got involved – in fact when they were younger, they joined in and helped with events.
 
“We just love the company and the friendship of being an official. It's like being a big family because we've known each other for such a long time. And of course, we both enjoy the challenge and it keeps our minds active as well.”
 
Outside of the Australian Grand Prix, the couple are heavily involved in Victoria’s state circuit scene, as Colin regularly holds the position of Clerk of Course and Gail the position of event secretary.
 
Their vast experience at the Australian Grand Prix and state events where they deal with many of the individuals who are here this weekend would be the main contributor to their success according to Colin.
 
“I guess we are liked because we have been here quite a bit and our roles at other events,” Colin said.
 
“I am Clerk of Course at state events and Gail secretary at state rounds, Supercars and the Shannons SpeedSeries so we get around a bit.
 
“We realise the value of the officials we have and we look after them a little bit differently to what some promoters do and I guess it's a two way street.”
 
Click here to sign up as a Motorsport Australia official.