Bike racing and death: Stoner speaks

FORMER MOTOGP World Champion Casey Stoner has spoken about the dangers of motorcycle racing, following the death of talented Moto2 star Shoya Tomizawa.

Tomizawa lost his life just over a fortnight ago, at Misano racetrack, as a result of a three-bike pile-up at one of the fastest parts of the Italian circuit.

Giving his own view on dealing with death within the sport, Stoner said:

“Every rider should know it’s a risk. It’s not the first time it’s happened ... it’s not a completely safe sport so it is something we live with.

“It’s bad to say it, but it’s part of what gives you the adrenalin rush; it’s part of why especially guys love to do it. It gets your heart racing – it’s that bit of fear that keeps you interested. If there was no fear involved there’d be no want or need to race, and there wouldn’t be the passion you see from young riders.

“I think that’s what keeps us all here, to be honest," revealed Stoner at the weekend's Aragon MotoGP races, concluding with:

“I think if you leave doing something you love, that you dreamed about your whole life ... that can in some ways be a nice way to go.”

The Australian went on to win the inaugural Aragon MotoGP event, crossing the line five seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

The victory was Stoner's first premier class win of 2010.

By Visordown News