THIS HAS TO STOP
There comes a time in every field of sport, where a radical re-think is required in order to ensure the continuity of that sport. That time has come for the sport of pure motorcycle road racing.
In the weeks after the devastating death of the greatest racer of them all, Joey Dunlop, there has been a huge increase in demands for changes in regulations, or for the banning of all pure road races. The answer has been that Joey would not have wanted the sport to stop, because of the knee-jerk reaction to his death.
Now we are faced with another awful tragedy. The deaths of Gary Dynes and Andrew McClean at Monaghan on Sunday are a tragedy too far for this supporter. I cannot condone the senseless waste of precious lives any longer. There has to be another way for riders to get an adrenaline rush, without the possibility of suffering the ultimate loss in the process.
There are other more dangerous sports out there, where individuals take part knowing that one mistake can mean the end for them. But when a motorcycle racer makes a mistake, he can be the unwitting instigator of a tragic domino effect, which can have dire consequences on an entire wave of riders, as happened yesterday at Monaghan.
I could suggest staggered starts, as on the Isle of Man, but would that be feasible on the shorter Irish courses? I could suggest a return to hillclimbing, and no doubt that would have its detractors also. One obvious solution is a massive cash injection into short circuits, but that's not the same sport at all. Or is it? The principal difference between these two sports, is that circuit racing creates a tangible barrier between riders and spectators. This is necessary for the safety of all, but road racing supporters are accustomed to unhindered contact with the riders. This carries out onto the roads during races, where closeness, to the point of danger is the norm.
But at least I'm thinking about change and not banning the sport I love, and we must all think likewise before there is nobody left to care about.
To all the people who have any say in the running of this sport I ask you: Do something now. Sit down and get your heads together. Riders by their very nature are a carefree and fearless group who are ruled by their hearts, so it is up to you to consider the options on their behalf. The MCUI centres, along with the individual race organisers, have a duty to protect the riders as well as the sport, so whatever is to happen, must happen now. Please save the sport I love and protect the riders who are my friends and heroes.
Eddie Byrne.
To comment on this article, please go to the Message board HERE