The Isle of Man TT was last week. 3 racers died. The race will go on.

[sir pball]

The Isle of Man TT or Tourist Trophy races are an annual motorcycle racing event run on the Isle of Man in May/June of most years since its inaugural race in 1907. The event is often called one of the most dangerous racing events in the world as many competitors have died.

The Isle of Man TT is run in a time-trial format on public roads closed to the public by an Act of Tynwald (the parliament of the Isle of Man). The event consists of one week of practice sessions followed by one week of racing.

All told, over 250 riders have died on the Snaefell Mountain course — yet there's very little actual pressure to end the race. Everyone involved knows the risks, be they riders or the spectators who get literal inches from the road and can pay the price of a crash gone wrong. This article sums it up excellently.

I raise a glass to all the riders who didn't make it…may Valhalla treat you well.

For a bonus, here's Peter Hickman narrating his (at the time) record lap, 37.73 miles of public roads at an average of over 130mph:

[SergeStorms]

1. Yeah, that's a crazy race.

I wouldn't even want to be a spectator, let alone a rider.
I guess it's another Darwinian herd thinner. If we could somehow convince republican Congressmen that it's Donald Trump's favorite race and he gives "special blessings" to the winner each year........... 😉.

[EX500rider]

2. All Hail Joey Dunlop, King of the Isle, RIP

I raced bikes for 7 years, always wanted to go there but it would take so long to learn that many turns I'd be SLOW...lol

[Cheezoholic]

3. Sure you've seen it but for others who haven't

Absolutely great doc on Joey and the TT. Its on Prime, not sure where else.

Joey - The Man Who Conquered the TT

https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/joey-the-man-who-conquered-the-tt

[sir pball]

5. I'm a Guy Martin fan myself

Straight-piss truck mechanic who races in his spare time...my kind of lad. Dunlop was king for sure, but Guy is a worthy prince.

BTW, on Mad Sunday, halfway through the races, they allow any asshole with a license and bike to go run the course...not sure you'd want to be going 12/10 with that crowd though!

[jmowreader]

11. On Mad Sunday most people drive the speed limit

All the restaurants and pubs along the course are open, so a lot of people ride around and socialize.

Of course, there ARE the maniacs who show up with Suzuki Hayabusas, Kawasaki Ninjas and similar, and occasionally they’ve got to scrape these guys up.

I always wanted to go to the TT but when I lived in Europe I could never fit it into my work schedule.

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. Racing is still going on - father and son killed in sidecar event

The father and son team Roger and Bradley Stockton have been killed while racing at the Isle of Man TT, organisers have confirmed.

Roger, the 56-year-old driver, and the 21-year-old passenger, Bradley, who were from Crewe, died following an incident at Ago’s Leap on the final lap of the second sidecar race, taking the number of rider deaths at this year’s event to five.

It was Roger’s 20th race in his 11th TT appearance, while Bradley was in his second race in his maiden TT. They had finished eighth in the first sidecar race.
...
Speaking earlier in the year, he said: “I’ve retired a few times before but always come back for my love of the sport. Going around the course with my own flesh and blood will be incredible.”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jun/10/father-and-son-team-die-in-latest-isle-of-man-tt-tragedy-to-take-death-toll-to-five

[HAB911]

7. Generally raising the average IQ of the world

Let 'em race!

[BannonsLiver]

10. That might be true if it were Americans getting killed

[Handler]

8. All concerned know the risk

Let them race.

[Coventina]

9. Why should we care? Most people think horse racing is fine.

And the horses cannot give their informed consent.

These humans know the risks and do it anyway. Much better!!!!

Ban horse racing!

Support motor racing!!!

[MineralMan]

12. Racing motorcycles is a dangerous game to play.

Very risky. In a way, it's amazing that more riders aren't killed while doing that. But, they train for it, wear safety equipment, and only a few of them crash and die. A much higher percentage of motorcycle riders die on our highways. It's hard to compete with four-wheel vehicles and larger.

Should they cancel the Isle of Man TT? That's very unlikely, since that race brings tons of money to that island. Spectators go there and pump money into the local economy. So, not, it's not going to be canceled just because a few risk-takers die during those races.

Humans do dangerous things, and some die while doing them. So it goes. I used to ride motorcycles. I don't any longer, because I'm an old fart who needs to stay off the things. I rode carefully. I didn't race motorcycles. I was never in an accident while riding. Others don't follow that example, though, so some hundreds or thousands die each year from riding motorcycles dangerously. Should motorcycles be banned? I think not.