And their events are just as dangerous as ours!
by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance
Yes, there are countries outside the U.S. that take their motor sports as seriously as we do. Although sometimes different than the way we show appreciation for our automobiles, it is entertaining and even enlightening to take a look at how other cultures treat their auto obsessions.
Countries from just about every continent participate in motor sports very much like ours. In addition to car shows, fairs, auctions, museums and other automobile events around the world, most all are involved in racing. Formula One, stock car and drag racing are all popular in different countries, and while they may have their own variations such as road racing, it's not without the same type of challenges and perils, including injuries, we see here in America.
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| Brighton National Speed Trials in the United Kingdom |
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| Oldest Continuous Running Event first run in 1905 |
The Brighton National Speed Trials made news this earlier this month when a man and woman racing in a motorcycle with sidecar crashed.
Sadly, the 38 year old woman died. The driver, a 63 year man, was badly injured with a head injury. Remarkably, no other vehicles were involved and no one else was hurt.
The Brighton National Speed Trials in the United Kingdom is the oldest continuous running event for cars and motorcycles, and the event attracts men and women from all over the world in competition and as spectators. The tradition officially began in 1905 even though the event was first suggested in 1902. After just two events, a ban on racing on public roadways was made, and it disrupted the race until a new club called the Brighton and Hove Motor Club discovered that Madeira Drive, where the race was run, was not a public road. When the race was able to run again in 1932 it attracted a huge crowd of more than 100,000 spectators. Speeds reached 120 MPH over a half mile course. Since 1932, the Brighton National Speed Trials have run every year except during WWII, with more types of cars and even motorcycles being added to the racing lineup. It is now considered a national event.
Injuries have been spread throughout the racing world in 2012.
In F1 Racing this July, a Spanish test driver was left with what was described as life-threatening head injuries after a freak crash with a lorry. She was driving at low speed in the pit area when the collision happened, after just completing a lap of 200 mph speeds.
Earlier this year in Dublin, Ireland, a race car went out of control during a stage rally race, crashing into a crowd and killing two people. Seven others were seriously injured. Stage rallying is the most popular form of road racing in Ireland. Competitions are spread throughout the year with racers taking turns on the same course. Spectators sit or stand roadside, which make it a danger when things go wrong.
Two South African racers died in separate crashes in events early in 2012. A multi-champ driver Curt Alchin was killed at the Victoria Raceway. Motorcycle driver Wim Pretorius died at an unrelated event at Zwartkops Raceway on the same day.
And, UK newspaper The Sun reported on an accident at Le Mans this year, "Anthony Davidson broke his back in a 200mph horror smash at Le Mans and admitted: 'It felt like I was in an aeroplane out of control.' The Brit was challenging for the lead in the famous 24-hour endurance race when he clipped another car, flew into the air and smashed down into a tyre barrier." This year's race is now aptly dubbed, "Le Crunch."
REFERENCES:
BBC News - Brighton Speed Trials Crash: Woman Killed Named
BBC News - Woman Killed During Brighton Speed Trials
HuffPost World - Cavan Stages Rally Crash: Ireland car crash kills 2, wounds 7 in race crowd
SuperSport - Two SA racers dead in crashes
The Independent - F1 driver's life-threatening injuries after freak crash
The Sun (UK) - Anthony Davidson relives terrifying 200mph Le Mans smash
VisitBrighton.com - National Speed Trials
RESOURCES (A partial list around the world):
AFOS - Asian Festival of Speed
Brighton & Hove Motor Club - United Kingdom's motorheads
Asia Motorsports - Racing in China (site is in Chinese)
Asia Racing Team - Asian Formula & GT racing
CAMS - Confederation of Australian Motor Sport
Classic Car Tours International - European Touring Holidays
Essential Africa - A Directory of African Motorsports & Motor Sport Organizations
MotorSport South Africa - Official site of all motorsports in South Africa
MSport UK - Motorsport News from the UK
NAMSC - North Australian Motor Sports Club
RT - Russian Racing
The Racing Line - Motor Racing Circuits: Databases of Races Around The World
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.
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