Local DE Track, Anyone?

[fasthonda]

god, i wish they still televised the Isle of Man TT motorcyle races (used to be on Speed once a year).   it was one of the best motorsports programs to watch on tv, ever!   those were the races where the bikes were 1000 cc engine size;  and the best riders from all over the world came.  the race was on the public roads, and the laps were huge (like maybe 35 miles per lap?).  some of it was in town, and the rest was on the open countryside.  these were narrow country roads, with trees and walls and houses right up to the roadside.  since this is not a 'racecourse', the roads have humps and bumps in them.  typically you will see the riders jumping, wheelieing, and shuddering coming off the corners, due to the bad surfaces and elevation changes.  this all happening at way over 100 mph;  i think the average lap speeds for the good guys is around 130 mph.  no run-off.  no safety.  BIG BALLS!

top speeds were up to 200 mph, if i recall.  some of the factory riders had orders from their teams not to attend (due to the super dangerous nature of the race);  some attended anyway!   it was super duper brass balls racing;  i don't think there was any purse, either -- i think it was all for pride and the excitement of the race...

here's a few vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB6wRE9626U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0J7XB2Hd44

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PBBh12FH...re=related

 

and when it goes wrong:  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Nzq2GorVH4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQcXO5c-c...re=related

enjoy!

todd