Motorcycle racing arguably offers the very best spectator experience, with close racing and breathtaking cornering. Yet outside of the huge group of motorcycle enthusiasts, many people consider the riders to be mad. In my experience, only the unfortunates who have never experienced the joys of motorcycling will take that view.
So why is motorcycling so compelling for those that get involved with it?
Considering that man invented the wheel 5,500 years ago, it's amazing that the first self-propelled vehicle only showed up 250 years ago. It took another 100 years to invent the motorcycle. If you think about it, there's a sort of pecking order with transport that starts with the ability to walk, ride a horse, peddle a bicycle, take a train and drive a car. But what we all secretly want to do is fly like an eagle!
Since the Wright brothers first bounced up into the air in 1903 we have been privileged to join the birds, albeit a pretty boring experience for those of us who have to turn right when we board the plane. The luckiest people are the jet fighter pilots and astronauts. Or are they?
Given that driving a car on public roads is now such an enforced, mundane exercise and that few of us ever get to fly a plane, what is the closest we will get to the feeling of exhilaration and freedom that you would expect from flying like an eagle?
Yes, motorcycling.
In the main, motorcycle racers are no different to auto racers in that they are very good at risk management and spend years perfecting their craft to enjoy the experience. And that experience may be the ultimate thrill. I have a good friend who pilots a Boeing 777 that flies itself so well that his job is to monitor the flight computers and be ready to step in if there's a problem. It's no contest - he prefers the fun and challenge of racing.
But you will not find motorcycle racers talking too much about what they do. Unless you are one of them. That's because they know that non-bikers think they're mad. The camaraderie that exists among bikers is legendary and, in my experience, is much greater than exists in car racing circles. It's something to do with ego, I think, as motorcyclists are a humble lot and talk a lot about how hard it is, whereas most car racers tend to think they've cracked it.
The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is the ultimate challenge for motorcycle racers where, over the years, many have paid the ultimate price for their love of the sport.
If you want to gain an insight into the strength of human spirit and the will to win then I can highly recommend you get a DVD of TT Closer to the Edge.
For me, motorcycle racing is still the ultimate experience. But those lucky enough to do it, if asked, will struggle to articulate why it is so addictive and compelling. However, be warned - if you don't understand, they will consider you to be mad.
If you want to see what it's all about, then note in your diary: January 20, Dubai Motocross Championship, Jebel Ali and February 10, UAE Sportbike Championship, Dubai Autodrome.
Pole Position is written by Barry Hope, a director of GulfSport Racing, which is hoping to find an Arab F1 driver through the FG1000 race series. Join the UAE racing community online at www.gulf-sport.com or on Facebook at GulfSportRacing.