Friday, October 28, 2011

Marco Simoncelli

It was with much sadness that I watched the last lap of Marco Simoncelli life on Sunday afternoon. I will confess that I am only a bit of fair weather fan of MotoGP these days, unlike when I watched everything all night every second Sunday and got to see the likes of Rossi come up through the ranks.

When I first saw the crash I thought that is not good and was quite sickened. When they finally annouced that he had died it came without surprise only sadness. Is easy to say that he died doing what he loved and whilst very true his death has undoubtable left a gaping hole in hearts of those he was close to.


The media and internet forums have almost been universal in expressing the tragic nature of this event. I say almost because their are those that seem content to snipe at sidelines either crictising his riding style, safety or some other aspect of the sport. But none so offensive as one Jill Singer, who in her wisdom (or lack thereof) has suggestted that those who love motorsport and in this case, MotoGP in particular, are to blame for this, by suggesting our love of a dangerous sport has left us with 'blood of your hands'. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/race-fans-deny-their-inner-ghoul/story-fn56az2q-1226176644011

Completely skimming over the fact most us watch racing not to see death or even crashes but to watch people who control body, mind and machine right at the limits without exceeding them, to see those who weave their magic better than the next bloke and can do so without throwing it down the road. Yes as part of this crashes sometimes occur, but for me a least this is always a let down not some thrill to get me 'slapping high fives'.

That the increases in safety we have seen in motorsport have not had any impact on its appeal, really shows the her arguements have little merit. That people have been outspoken about suitability of some the circuts that IndyCar races on and that design of the cars means they can get quite airborne in crashes, well before Dan Wheldons death is another nail. People don't watch motorsport for the crashes, I have yet to hear anyone say 'that was a dissapointing race, there was not enough carnage'. They watch it to see a competion, often one they themselves wish they were good enough to be part of.

As others have said 'if you have to ask you don't understand', Ms Singer plainly hasn't even bothered to ask and just assumes she understands. Lazy journalism at its best.

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