These are the pictures I was looking for over
the weekend when I came across all that historic stuff I posted in previous
posts, and there is a certain poignancy in these images. For me they sum up
what motor sport, and indeed sport in general is all about. Of the two guys
pictured, one went on to a hugely
successful professional motor cycle racing career and world-wide recognition, and
the other didn't. 
Both were pure natural racers, but talent and dedication is not enough
in this game. There always has to be a spark of luck somewhere along the road.
One which sends the minority down the road to riches, fame and success and the
other which sends the majority into the run-off. It's a salutory lesson. When
taking up a sport, any sport, it's best to remember that only one can win.
On that basis, surely the principal reason for taking up any sport is one
of enjoyment. Be it hanging off a bike and sliding your knee on the tarmac or
flying over a 'yump' and hoping the car lands flat and square on the other side,
it must be the thrill of participation and involvement. Particularly in motor
sport, where there is always the added element of danger, the tingling sense of
pre-event expectation and the nervous anticipation of an uncertain trip into
the unknown. Speed is the fix, control is the stimulant and survival is the
aim. If you get a trophy and accolades at the end of it, so be it, but that shouldn't
be the prime reason for doing it.
So remember that next time you pull on a helmet. Go to it, immerse
yourself and enjoy the buzz while you can, but there can only ever be one
winner. The best the rest of us can hope for are good memories and camaraderie.
Back to the photo. One of the guys in the pic will be instantly
recognisable to most of you, but what about the other? In my book he was, is,
and always will be, a star too.
No comments:
Post a Comment