FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Isle of Man TT Races Pathetic. What is the name of your magazine? “Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology.” Correct. The August issue had the “True Gladiators” pictorial and coverage of Valentino Rossi’s visit and other tidbits. Where the bloody hell is the race coverage? There are American riders competing at the world’s greatest road race, why then don’t you have a writer go to the Isle of Man? If that is too much trouble at least reprint some coverage from Motor Cycle News or some other source from Great Britain? You owe it to your subscribers: More Isle Of Man TT Coverage! Yours faithfully, a Manxman, Malcolm Asling Grants Pass, Oregon FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Isle of Man = Isle of Bloody Carnage It might be worthwhile to note that since 1990, 76 men and women have met their untimely end at the Isle of Man as a direct result of the motorcycle racing events there, the Isle of Man TT and the Manx GP; again 76, more than the entire field of a Superbike race, dead at the Isle of Man or as I’ve come to view it, the Isle of Bloody Carnage. Can you imagine the outcry if any venue in current day AMA, WSBK, or MotoGP Racing suffered such a horrendous record? Why do we ignore it for the Isle of Man? Now we learn through one of their own press releases that “The promotion of the event is part of a wide-ranging strategy by the Department of Tourism and Leisure to raise the number of visitors to the Isle of Man TT.” Freedom is number one, and I fully support the idea that anyone who wants to race at the Isle of Man should be able to do so. However, the efforts of mass media and the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure to exploit the event for revenue cross the line into promoting the carnage for profit. I think it is shameful, I think that the Isle of Man Department of Tourism and Leisure have blood on their hands as do any who help sponsor and promote the event. Surely a number of the unfortunate dead were seduced by the allure of fame and notoriety of the event fostered by the folks promoting it. They should be doing the opposite. Greed sucks. I refuse to watch or support any motorcycle racing events at the Isle of Man until they can find a way to make the racing there less of a horrendous festival of death. In the twenty years spanning from 1990 through 2009, only one year, 2001, had no deaths due to motorcycle racing at the Isle of Man. In 2005, just four short years ago, nine people met their end at the Isle as a direct result of the motorcycle racing there. I was unable to track down any reliable statistics on total casualties due to motorcycle racing at the Isle of Man. Following is the list of the fatalities resulting directly from motorcycle racing there: Dead Due to Isle of Man Motorcycle Racing # Name Year 1 Bernard Trout 1990 2 Kevin Howe 1990 3 Frank Duffy 1991 4 Paul Rome 1991 5 Mark Jackson 1991 6 Ian Young 1991 7 Petr Hlavatka 1991 8 Roy Anderson 1992 9 John Judge 1992 10 Craig Mason 1992 11 Manfred Stengl 1992 12 Steve Harding 1993 13 Ken Virgo 1993 14 Cliff Gobell 1993 15 Mark Farmer 1994 16 Rob Mitchell 1994 17 Paul Faragher 1995 18 Duncan Muir 1995 19 Nick Teale 1995 20 Aaron Kennedy 1996 21 Rob Holden 1996 22 Mick Lofthouse 1996 23 Steve Tannock 1996 24 Nigel Haddon 1996 25 Jack Gow 1996 26 Russell Waring 1997 27 Colin Gable 1997 28 Danny Shimmin 1997 29 Pamela Cannell 1997 30 Roger Bowler 1997 31 Emmet Nolan 1997 32 Mike Casey 1998 33 Charles Hardisty 1998 34 John Henderson 1998 35 Adam Woodhall 1998 36 Rob Wingrave 1998 37 Chris East 1998 38 Martin Smith 1998 39 Bernadette Bosman 1999 40 Simon Beck 1999 41 Terry Fenton 1999 42 Stuart Murdoch 1999 43 Kenneth Munro 2000 44 Stephen Wood 2000 45 Chris Ascott 2000 46 Raymond Hanna 2000 47 Les Williams 2000 48 Colin Daniels 2002 49 Shane Ellis 2002 50 Leslie Turner 2002 51 Phil Hayhurst 2002 52 David Jefferies 2003 53 Peter Jarman (parade lap) 2003 54 Martin Farley 2003 55 Serge le Moal 2004 56 Paul Cowley 2004 57 Colin Breeze 2004 58 Gavin Feighery 2004 59 Tommy Clucas 2004 60 Joakim Karlsson 2005 61 Les Harah 2005 62 Gus Scott 2005 63 April Bolster (marshal) 2005 64 Geoff Sawyer 2005 65 John Loder 2005 66 Eddie Byers 2005 67 Tim Johnson 2005 68 John Bourke 2005 69 Don Leeson 2005 70 Jun Maeda 2006 71 Terry Craine 2006 72 Marc Ramsbotham 2007 73 Dean Jacob (spectator) 2007 74 Gregory Kenzig (spectator) 2007 75 John Goodall 2008 76 John Crellin 2009 I pulled the above from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Snaefell_Mountain_Course_fatal_accidents As motorcycle racers and motorcycle racing fans who are concerned about the integrity and safety of our sport, I urge that we all boycott any televised coverage or mass media that in any way glorifies the motorcycle racing events at the Isle of Man. A petition is available at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Isle_of_Man_Isle_of_Death/ to help give a voice to this concern. Regards, Blake Rudy Kilgore, Texas And now, other readers react to the two letters posted above: FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Blake Rudy’s petition to boycott the Isle of Man is ridiculous. I have been several times (and am going again in 2010) and it is by far one of the best motorcycle events in the world. It is where motorcycle road racing started 102 years ago. To make it less dangerous would be to re-build an island, steeped in both racing history and in human history (some 10,000 years worth). To provide even less racing coverage of the racing even would be a shame. There is not one person who races there who is not aware of the risk. Likewise, there is not one person in the US who races that is not aware of the risk, myself included. There is risk in everything we do in life; each of us has to decide what level of risk we are comfortable with. Apparently, Mr. Rudy’s is much lower than the racing community at large and considerably lower than those who choose to race the Isle of Man. To accuse the Department of Tourism and Leisure of promoting the carnage for profit is ridiculous, yes, they promote it and yes, the island does benefit from the fortnight event. The TT is not the island’s only source of income, downtown Douglas is filled with banking industry buildings. On the other hand, the island makes improvements every year to to the race course and takes steps to increase safety. Unfortunately, there are many deaths from motorcycle racing in the US each year, only they are spread over many race circuits. I am not going to take the time to Google a list of how many people are killed each year, as it is counterproductive to the sport, perhaps safety suggestions would be a better use of my time. If I am not mistaken Roadracing World supports and promotes the sport of motorcycle racing, does that mean you also support and promote the blood sport Mr. Rudy mentions? I think not. Although, I do agree, there is not enough coverage of the TT event. Mr. Rudy, if you are so against the Isle of Man TT races, don’t go there, don’t watch it and let it be. It is people like you who think it is wrong to risk one’s own life, to do the things one wants to do, that make it more and more difficult to live life as a free person. Perhaps you can get the Government more involved in road racing here in the states to help improve the sport, make it safer and protect ourselves from ourselves, they are doing a swell job everywhere else. There is something to be said for the few places left in this world where you are able to be responsible for your own action and live with the consequences. I, like many others, don’t agree with plenty of things in this world, but I mind my own business and let them be, this is what makes freedom so great. Doug Scheer CCS, AHRMA #86 Billerica, Massachusetts FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Regarding Mr. Rudy’s letter on the safety of the Isle of Man TT: Mr. Rudy, you say on one hand that you support a rider’s legal right to compete at the Isle of Man TT, then on the other hand say the fans should boycott any media that come from the event. Sir, you are an idiot. TT competitors and organizers alike take on the challenges of the mountain course with eyes wide open, of free will, and at their own risk. There is no mystery surrounding how many fatalities come from competing on that unique circuit. I’ve raced the TT for the past four years and have yet to hear or seen anyone try to say, “Nope. Not dangerous. This race is safe enough, come on out and get famous.” Rubbish. Its exactly the opposite. Blake, I think you’ve been watching too many American television shows, mate. There’s a real world out there, real people, with warm hearts and caring souls. Those surrounding the Tourist Trophy are among the kindest and most sincere, most honest people I’ve met around the world, and I’ve been around the world. The TT is a unique event, yes. But, no one is promoting a death show, you moron. It’s offering our species one of the last chances, one of the last places on this overly governed and policed planet of ours to push the limits of man and machine, and with real risk; outside of these stupid wars we keep fighting amongst ourselves, that is. No rider, at least none that I have spoken to, after seeing the racetrack itself has ever entered the TT for fame and fortune. No amount of money could lure a man or a woman to take such risks on a motorcycle. Its not about what other people think after the races, or what they might pay you. This is a very intimate and personal challenge for these riders, well beyond anything I’ve witnessed before. As Neil Hodgson once put it so well, “The TT is the most selfish thing a rider can do.” I know the organizers and I can tell you they do their best to make the 37-mile laps around that public road course as safe as practical, but yes it is ridiculously dangerous. And, it will very likely cause some fatal injuries in the future, accidents are unavoidable. I crashed during the Senior TT in 2009, unhurt thank God, and it scared the living crap out of me to the point of relegating me to a walking zombie for two days. I’m still considering going back for another go. But, what’s your hard-on, Mr. Rudy, to encourage others to boycott the TV coverage of such a beautiful thing as the TT? You sit there at your computer and wave your finger at those involved without obviously ‘getting’ the whole point of why some people, very different people than you Mr. Rudy I might add, would wholeheartedly want to be a part of this terrific event whether it be in the form of racing it, organizing it, or spectating it? Mind your own business. My guess is not one spectator goes to the Isle of Man to see a rider get killed. I’ve never heard even a whisper of it in the 15 or so weeks I’ve spent on the island during the past four TTs. Not in the pubs, not while mingling amongst the fans in the paddock sans a team shirt, not on any blog. It’s exactly the opposite. Fans attend the TT to see modern 230-hp Superbikes fly through a village at 209 mph. To hear the engines winding up from 2 miles away, front fairings screaming through the wind towards them, the chains whirling around at ungodly rpm – only to be rewarded by a concussion of energy so sick, so awesome and so bloody fast, they can’t help but raise their cold pints to the riders as they blur past their tennis shoes a mere two feet away. And, if you’re really lucky, five or six of the boys will come past you in a single moment, drafting each other head to tail. Imagine it. I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys watching true human stories unfold, supreme athleticism, and the ultimate in pushing envelopes of motorcycle road racing physics – not to mention amid the most beautiful green lush setting imaginable – to come out to the Isle of Man TT races in person and witness this special race for yourself before know-it-all numb nuts like this Blake Rudy character finds a way to stop it. And, yes, a little more TT coverage from US media outlets would be appreciated. Cheers, Mark Miller 20th all-time fastest TT laptime Fastest TT laptime by an American Calabasas, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I think Blake Rudy must have got out of bed on the “world must be perfect” side. The racers who race in the Isle of Man or any other true road course fully accept the risks they take. Most belong to a select group of road racers who only compete on closed roads courses in Ireland, England and the Isle of Man. The Manx Tourist Board does promote the races, both the TT, the Southern 100 and the Manx Grand, however, riders who compete do so for the challenge not the “fame and fortune.” I would suggest Blake takes the trouble to visit the Island during one of the races, the TT, the Southern 100 or the Manx Grand Prix (currently in progress). Talk to the riders and their helpers/pit crew. It is hard for anyone who has not been a part of the “racing on public roads” group to fully understand the attraction of competing on “natural” road circuits. The camaraderie amongst this select group of racers is more intense as the risks for them are so great. There is no pressure from any government, race team or factory for a rider to compete. The spectating is free, except at the start and finish. The only money being made out of the events is tourist and spectator spending in shops, hotels and pubs. It is always tempting to dig into statistics and come up with a pet theory or petition. Yes, there have been many fatal accidents in the Isle of Man road races, but no one is forcing anyone to compete. Contrary to what Blake thinks, no one is seduced by the allure of fame and notoriety. So, before you all rush to the petition website and click away, think of this. Would you want some “do gooder” telling you that the sport you loved is too dangerous for you to participate in? Mick Ofield Past competitor in the Southern 100 Past mechanic to riders in the Manx Grand Prix Spectator at the 2008 Manx Grand Prix McMinnville, Tennessee FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: With all due respect to Mr. Rudy and his extensive research about the Isle of Man races (looks like one click on a Wikipedia link) he vastly oversimplifies the issue. 1. Nobody forces anyone to race or spectate at the Isle of Man. It’s no longer a part of the international circuit so everyone there, and I mean everyone, is there voluntarily. Seduced by the allure of fame? Give me a break. 2. As Mark Twain said – there are three kinds of lies. Mr. Rudy (and Wikipedia) need to explore using different metrics to analyze the subject. Try deaths per miles traveled as we did on the island while considering that very subject in 2003 the day after David Jeffries died. We actually ran the numbers just after we left flowers at David’s crash site. It’s arguably safer than riding on the street. 3. “I refuse to watch or support and motorcycle racing events at the Isle of Man…..” How exactly have you supported them in the past? Have you ever set foot on the Isle of Man? Actually, you know what, stay home, we don’t want your type there anyway, and watch out getting out of the shower, that’s pretty dangerous too. The fact is that the organizers attempt to increase safety every year. More spectator areas are restricted, licenses to race are harder and harder to get, practices are more readily canceled for weather or other issues. The Isle of Man is truly a magical place. When racing ends there, it ends everywhere. Nick Tulloh Durham, New Hampshire FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Nobody forces the riders to race at the Isle of Man. They do it because they love the competition. They know the risks. If you don’t like it, then you don’t have to race there. Sit at home and do something safe…play a board game, for instance. People like you will eventually squash everything interesting or compelling that society has to offer. Maybe you’d like to come over to my house tomorrow morning and double-check to make sure my shoes are tied before I head to work. Thank God that the Isle of Man race still exists. Morgan Strobel Port Orchard, Washington FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Mr. Rudy seems to have hijacked Mr. Asling’s original point. Roadracing World needs to provide more coverage of the RACING at the Isle of Man! Don Harbidge Manhattan, Kansas FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I am writing in response to the letter posted on Roadracingworld.com, authored by Blake Rudy. I empathize with Mr. Rudy’s horror over the extreme number of racer and spectator deaths that occur at the Isle of Man TT and Manx races. People dying for sport can be considered inexcusably abhorrent, and the number of yearly deaths at the IoM races does take death to a scale beyond other motorsports events. But where do we draw the line? There are also many, many people who find NASCAR to be inexcusably cruel and an affront to what should be valued most; the life of a human. For them, a single NASCAR racer dying every four or five years, or every 12 years, or whatever it may be, is an unacceptable and offensive carnage. Racing, at any venue, with any measure of safety, puts humans at unnecessary risk. I hate the Isle of Man races. I have a friend who races there, and every year that he goes back to do it again I am disgusted and horrified. I want him to stop doing that. I love the Isle of Man races. I still mull over thoughts of competing there myself. Sure, I’d have little chance of finishing near the top, but to just complete a race high enough to earn a bronze replica, for me, would be like winning a world championship. I believe it’s a doable goal. Maybe not, but there’s only one way to find out. Life is full of contradictions, thank you very much. If I’ve learned anything, it’s to be slow in choosing between contradictions, but quick to embrace both sides. Mr. Rudy makes a broad and untenable assumption when he states that some compete in the IoM races only because they “¦were seduced by the allure of fame and notoriety”¦” That point of view is elitist in that it refuses to respect racers as capable of making meaningful choices on their own. And it’s naïve to think that any racer could complete even one lap of the mountain course with fame as their motivation. Competing at the IoM TT races takes a huge commitment, emotionally, intellectually, psychologically. There are racers who have shown up to do the TT for the first time, and after one lap of practice parked their bike and withdrew. There are racers who headed for the TT and stopped themselves before they even got on the ferry. And there have been racers who promised themselves to never return; yet they returned and maybe even set a new track record. Whether a racer chooses to race at the IoM or not, it is not ours to disrespect or judge their choices. The IoM TT was dropped from the world GP calendar back in the 1970s because the racers in that series considered the track to be unacceptably dangerous. For them. So today the IoM TT races are a stand-alone event. Any racer who chooses to compete knows the risks and makes his/her own choice. Contrary to Mr. Rudy’s proposition, profit and greed are not synonyms. Making money is morally acceptable. It is good for racers if a racing organization can make money. It helps racers attain their goals. And when profit is driven by greed, racers are no fools and do not stand silent. By the outrage he expressed over the IoM Department of Tourism and Leisure’s involvement in promoting the IoM races, I’m guessing that Mr. Rudy is unaware of who sanctions the IoM races. The Isle of Man itself, the government of this autonomous nation, is the sanctioning body of the IoM races. So, basically, the IoM Department of Tourism and Leisure is the internal promotional department of the IoM sanctioning body. Ain’t no shame earned there. So, Mr. Rudy, go ahead and express your outrage, I support you. But please get your facts straight so that there can be credence to your argument. The Mountain Course on the IoM is clearly dangerous, and it will always be dangerous. But the country does what it can to make it safer. They listen to the racers. But the course runs for some 37 miles through towns and trees and between walls and poles and never ever can these uncountable dangers be adequately eliminated. It is dangerous and some are willing to take the risks and some aren’t willing to even sit home knowing that people are taking these risks. And neither is right, and neither is wrong, and there will never be a workable compromise. Such is life. It is a very American attitude, that Mr. Rudy expresses, that people need to be protected from themselves. Other countries, many other countries, allow people to take risks and if they die, well, it was their fault. There are no lawsuits, as is the case here. So sure, the IoM races are in violation of our cultural norm where we are not responsible for our own actions. But the IoM races do not happen in America. Yet, yeah, the number of deaths each year at the IoM can be considered vile, wasteful, maybe patently stupid. How these deaths have emotionally affected Mr. Rudy is heartening, and I applaud his sensitivity to the passing of so many people whom he hasn’t even met. Mr. Rudy is making an emotional plea to put a stop to something he sees as an unnecessary horror. Such outraged empathy is where we find our humanity, and it’s when we lose that that people start doing bad things to each other. It might be difficult for a non-racer to understand that the IoM doing all it can to make its course safer, yet basically completely failing at it, is a far different thing from a closed course doing little to make changes that can be successfully achieved. And there is a nuance lost to many between IoM racers and motorcycle road racers competing in other sanctioned series. They are generally not the same people, they are not using the same skills, they do not have the same mindset. As example, David Jefferies crossed over and raced at Daytona in the 750 Superstock class and finished mid-pack, on a track that is easy to learn, yet he owned the Isle of Man for a time. Jefferies is on Mr. Rudy’s list at number 52. No, I don’t find any irony in that. On the surface, sure, the IoM can appear to be criminally decadent. But underneath the surface, the IoM races are a celebration of everything that is good about people. It is a celebration of achievement, of trying to see what we are capable of. It is a celebration of life. Yes, despite all the deaths, maybe even partially because of all the deaths, the races at the IoM are a celebration of life. For some the cost is too great, for some the cost is just what it is, and it is up to them to risk it or not risk it. For some the cost moves from one year to the next, from being acceptable, to becoming unacceptable, or vise versa. Though it might be offensive to others, some find living a “safe” life to be not living a life at all. We all need to, and want to, define our own lives, define our own risks. What offends me? A list of the dead used for proving a point that those dead might not agree with, that’s what. There is an individual story behind each of those 76 named, and tossing them into a single pool does a disservice to their lives. I am also offended by name calling. But not a whole bunch. Where emotions run strong, it happens. I hope that those letters engaging in such can be tempered in their reading so that their points are not lost. And I hope that the racers offended by Mr. Rudy can stop and consider that all he really wants is for you not to die. Peter Jones Hendersonville, North Carolina FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: In response to the Isle of Man TT debate: One thing most people tend to overlook when talking about the danger of the TT course is the length. The course is 37.73 miles long, and each race has upwards of 50 riders competing. All TT races less the Superbike and Senior are 4 laps. The Superbike and Senior are 6 laps. In a 6 lap race of the TT Mountain course, with 50 riders (a very small grid for a TT race) there are 11,319 miles completed. That is 22,638 miles for the Superbike and Senior combined. Add in the 2 proddy races, and the 2 Supersport races at 4 laps a piece with 50 riders (again, a small grid) and you have 30,184 racing miles complete. So far in racing alone, we have 52,822 miles completed. That’s not counting the practice sessions that run the whole week prior to race week. During practice week, each rider completes around 3-5 laps a night. At 3 laps a night, and 50 riders a night, thats 5659.5 miles completed. Multiply that by 4 practices (a low amount for a normal TT practice week) and you have 22,638 miles completed during practice week. 3 laps a night and 50 riders is also low. So, combining practice week and race week (not mentioning the practices completed during race week, or sidecar practices/races) we have 75,460 miles completed over the course of TT fortnight. Say the same amount of miles were completed during the Manx GP which is currently happening, and you have 150,920 miles completed yearly. Remember, all the figures I used were low. Many more miles would be completed normally. I would be willing to bet that if you compared this to miles completed during other forms of bike racing, or riding a bike on the road, racing on the TT Mountain course wouldn’t be too much more dangerous. Yes, I will concede that racing on the TT Mountain course is more dangerous than racing on a purpose built circuit. The riders don’t come for the fame (Most are not known outside real road racing circles), the fortune (Nearly all the competitors work a day job the 50 other weeks of the year), or the money (As I said, most work a day job the other 50 weeks of the year). If you ask any rider right from the slowest rider, to the guys winning it why they do it, they will tell you it’s because they love it and are passionate about it. None of them are forced or pressured to do it, actually sometimes it’s the opposite. All the riders know the risks, and are there on their own accord. They do it because they want to. I believe Mr. Rudy has painted a false picture of racing on the Isle of Man with his use of the word ‘Carnage.’ When I hear carnage used in conjunction with a motorcycle event, I picture bikes crashing all over the place, bikes and bodies everywhere, and uncontrolled chaos. Nothing of the sort happens on the Isle of Man. Both the TT and Manx GP are very professionally run and organized. Brad Boutilier Hopewell, Nova Scotia, Canada FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Uh, I’d be happy to go over there and give you comprehensive coverage of the Isle of Man next year. I am cheap. I’ll write a story that will sway all the Isle of Man pooters. Passport is up-to-date. Travis B. Colburn, A.I.A. Seattle, Washington FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: In response to Mr. Blake Rudy who opined here regarding the Isle of Man or as he calls it “The Isle of Bloody Carnage.” One of the things in my “Bucket List” is to attend the Isle of Man races before I die or they are no longer held whichever comes first. I better hurry up because those who share Mr. Rudy’s viewpoint are intent on protecting us from ourselves and will continue to pressure government and commercial interests to ban it in the name of “humanity.” Mr. Rudy states; “Freedom is number one, and I fully support the idea that anyone who wants to race at the Isle of Man should be able to do so.” – He then goes on to argue the exact opposite. If Mr. Rudy truly believes that “Freedom is number one,” why is he intent on infringing on my freedom to attend the IOM races and ultimately the freedom of the riders he professes to support? Taking his argument and actions to their logical conclusion: 1. If his petition is successful event sponsors and IOM Dept. of Tourism will stop supporting the races. 2. The race organization will run out of money. 3. The races will no longer held. 4. The riders will no longer be free to race there THERE WILL NO LONGER BE ANY RACES! Mr. Rudy further states: “Surely a number of the unfortunate dead were seduced by the allure of fame and notoriety of the event fostered by the folks promoting it.” To this I say; “SO WHAT!” Those “poor unfortunates” are no different than the boxer who gets in the ring or the bull rider who hops on a raging Brahma. Who is Mr. Rudy to question their reasons and motivations? The intellectual arrogance of this logic is unbelievable! He doesn’t believe in freedom, he really believes in restricting freedom. A true wolf in sheep’s clothing – professing to love our sport but actively working to undermine it from within. I also resent Mr. Rudy’s implication that any and all who watch and support the IOM races (i.e. those that don’t agree with him) are either bloodthirsty or profiteers that need to be reigned in for their own good as well as that of the sport. To those sponsors that this petition is aimed at I will actively seek out your products and will purchase them because you do support my sport and my right to watch it. Peter Jarvis Morristown, New Jersey FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Mr. Rudy was correct that no one died in the 2001 running of the TT. The TT was canceled in 2001 due to fears of the spread of hoof and mouth disease. Michael Arning Walled Lake, Michigan FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I would like it to be noted that Peter Jones’s comment regarding David Jeffries is far from true. DJ was a very accomplished short circuit racer, winning many British Championships and the use of him as an example based on one result was poor. Trivial I know, but DJ was a brilliant racer on all sorts of bikes and all sorts of courses and made a name for himself on the short circuits well before he rode at the TT. As far as the TT goes, I know all too well the cost of racing there. One of my father’s best friends lost his life there as a result of injuries received while competing at the Manx. The dangers are known to one and all and riding there is a choice. Choice is the key word, I choose not to race there, those that race choose to take the risks, period. The TT is a wonderful event, for those that choose to attend and compete good for you I hope that it continues far into the future as it’s an amazing spectacle. For those of you that are against the TT, I respect your right to voice your opinion and your choice to not support it. But, by trying to stop the event you are know imposing your will and your choices on me, subsequently my respect for your opinion on the matter ends. Richard Snowden AFM #70 The British Top Brass Racing Team Pleasant Hill, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Isle of Man is amazing! Having said that let’s stop losing talent and friends. Look at why Daytona is not on the beach, why we do not board race, why Nurburgring is shortened and why every racetrack in Europe is lousy with chicanes. Answer, give the Isle of Man event a new venue using part of the existing circuit (Mountain I assume) and extend the laps until the distance is equal. Just think if all the tourists could get around the Island now how much money would be spent there. I should run the AMA or whatever it’s called. Welcome to the 21st Century. Douglas Williams Washington, DC