Agree totally Tom.I have marshalled at the TT and Manx a few times and I never found it easy to sign on as few people seemed to know where I was supposed to go.I remember on one occasion chasing round Onchan trying to locate a house belonging to one of the chief marshalls so I could sign on.The whole thing needs better advertising.Surely there must be a way to at least give marshalls who travel from "across" some concession towards their ferry crossings.They should not have to do it all for nothing, while the fat cats get their free lunches.
On the point of early morning practice,I used to love it as I was never one for having lots of people around when I was trying to qualify,the media for instance,and the multitude of hangers on that seem to gain paddock access come what may.Only the true enthusiasts get out of bed at that unearthly hour,and I can only speak for myself when I say that I could concentrate far better when I was fresh in the morning that when I had had a day working on the bikes and the multitude of other jobs that occur at the TT/Manx.Hilary M