Craziest Motorcycle Racing EVER! ...like really crazy

Music: The Walrath (Escape From Hell Mix) by Dhruva Aliman https://dhruvaaliman.bandcamp.com/ ...The Isle of Man TT is one of the most dangerous and grueling races in existence, 37.75 miles at an average speed of 132mph. Make a mistake on this track, and it’s a telegraph pole or the side of a house that riders will be faced with. Which is why it’s considered one of the most dangerous events on the motorsport calendar, but there is another event that makes the TT look like a cushy ride in the park…It’s called IRISH ROAD RACING and here’s why it’s the real king of danger...

Insane proximity- The first time you visit an event such as Tandragee or Armoy it’s hard to believe that you can get so close. If you were to reach out, you could touch the bikes as they go screaming by. The Health and Safety brigade clearly does not have a home here.

The Jumps- Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire is often referred to as the ‘mini Nurburgring’. It’s fast, technical and home to one of the most spectacular sections of track anywhere in the UK - the Mountain. British Superbike riders such as Josh Brookes can get some serious airtime and it’s a favorite haunt for photographers and spectators. However, compared to the jumps at Irish road race Kells, it looks like child’s play. Kells is a 2.2-mile course in Crossakiel, County Meath and is known for its airborne antics. A fast lap time demands bravery and dedication. The top riders hit O’Dea’s jump at a startling 160mph and are launched over 30 yards down the road.

200mph+ top speeds- At some of the smaller National road races, it’s not uncommon for riders to reach speeds in excess of 160mph. But it’s at the major international events such as the North West 200 where top speeds enter another dimension.

The North West 200 is Northern Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event and the circuit passes through the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush. It’s one of the quickest race tracks anywhere in the world and in 2012 Martin Jessopp hit a GPS-verified 208mph on his way down to University corner.

These speeds can also be reached at the TT, but what makes the NW200 so astounding is that the racers are often jostling for position, four to five abreast down the super fast straights.

Rain doesn't stop play- When Guy Martin arrived at Kells for his first Irish road race, he had to ask his friend where the circuit was. He was met with a curt reply, “you’re standing on it”. However, for anyone who has actually attended a road race, Guy’s confusion is completely understandable.

Unlike Monaco, Macau or the Manx GP the Irish tracks don’t have billiard table smooth tarmac. They’re often lined with mud, pothole covers and cow crap. They’re also only a feet wide at certain points, and unlike Nascar, when it rains, the riders don’t go home crying.

Incredible bravery- It takes a special sort of person to race at 200mph between houses, brick walls and fences (or ‘furniture’ as the road racers like to call it).