VOL. 50 ISSUE 27 JULY 9, 2013
pit, and probably said the same thing.
The way things worked out, I guess Lorenzo proved himself right. But racing is full of
close-run things, life on the edge. How easily it might have worked out differently. How
strong was the feeling of relief: we got away
with it again.
For the question remains; should an athlete
fresh from surgery be considered fit to control
a 200 mph motorcycle? In many other sports
receiving a general anesthetic is considered
in the same way as concussion. A seven-day
suspension is generally the least result.
So why is MotoGP different from, say, Rugby Union or the NFL? Especially since the
risks are not only high, but are not only to the
victim, but also to his potential victims, should
he for whatever reason lose control.
I sought some answers, and found a disturbing trail of pass-the-buck. And that my
feeling of disquiet was shared in some very
high quarters, by an official (he spoke off the
record) who really should be in a position to
do something about it.
But the Race Director abides by what the
Medical Director says, and the Medical Director abides by what the circuit doctor says. And
in this case, Lorenzo was able to pass any test
the circuit doctor could devise.
Dorna shows a great duty of care to the
commercial interests of the sport. But the
duty of care to the riders is being passed on
ad hoc to a series of different officials, circuit
by circuit. Imposing a huge responsibility on
them, and injecting a strong element of uncertainty.
Dorna shows a great fondness also for introducing new regulations.
It's time for one that sets out clearly in writing precise criteria for rider fitness. And, forgive me Jorge, but I don't think being able
to climb off the operating table onto the hot
seat should be allowed, no matter how fit you
feel.
CN
P109
LOOKING BACK
40 Years Ago
July 17, 1973
Gary Jones and Marty Tripes wait for
things to begin at the Superbowl of Motocross. Tripes went on to win for the
second time… Kenny Roberts rode
to victory at the Colorado Mile… Dick
Burleson claimed the overall win at the
Ohio ISDT Qualifier.
30 Years Ago
July 20, 1983
We spotlighted the Americans on the
grid at the Belgian Grand Prix at Francorchamps. Kenny Roberts topped
Freddie Spencer and Randy Mamola.... Broc Glover took top honors at
the Pittsburgh Supercross at Three Rivers Stadium… Bubba Shobert shined
at the Syracuse Mile.
20 Years Ago
July 14, 1993
Mike Kiedrowski jumped onto the
cover 20 years ago for winning the 250
class at the Red Bud National MX. Jeff
Emig won the 125 class… Ricky Graham was also on the cover for winning the Michigan Half Mile… Kevin
Schwantz claimed victory at the Dutch
GP at Assen… Rodney Smith won the
Trask Two-Day.
10 Years Ago
July 9, 2003
Aaron Yates and Sete Gibernau
shared the cover 10 years ago; Yates
for winning the Brainerd Superbike and
Gibernau for winning the Dutch TT GP…
Joe Kopp was tops at Lima… Barry
Hawk won again at the Wisp GNCC in
Maryland… Geoff Aaron swept the National Trials round in Pennsylvania.
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