Motor sport has hit the mainstream headlines recently, and not for the reasons any of us would have hoped. We've gone through a terrible, harrowing and tragic few weeks which have left many of us dazed, confused and questioning exactly what motor racing really means.

Motor sport is dangerous, it says so on every ticket sold. Drivers and spectators have been killed or injured since the first competitive wheel was turned though such instances are now rare thanks to developments in circuit safety, as well as improvements in the facilities and expertise available. It wasn't always the case, drivers once preferring to be thrown clear of an accident save getting burnt alive. Sir Jackie Stewart raced with a wrench in his car so his steering wheel could be removed if needed, a result of an accident in Belgium where he was trapped in his fuel-soaked car for some time - cigarette buds were strewn on the 'medical centre' floor, the ambulance got lost on its way to the hospital. Stewart's reaction, in large part, can be credited with the transformation of safety in motor racing, though at the time incurred ridicule from even the most respected of commentators. Yet despite his efforts, there is one inescapable fact: motor sport remains dangerous.

Earlier this year I experienced the tragedy of motor sport first hand. At a club meeting ahead of the Australian Grand Prix an accident claimed the life of a friend of mine; a promising young driver just starting out in his racing career. He'd just graduated from go karts. It was his first race meeting. It was the first fatal accident in the category's 40-something year history. I was working with the category that weekend as its press officer. Maintaining a composed and professional front in such instances was all I could do to stop myself falling to pieces. For the first and only time in my career I wanted to be anywhere but the circuit.

In the wake of such incidents talk will inevitably revolve around what can be done differently. What can be improved to help protect these modern day gladiators, to improve the safety without ruining the spectacle. Those questions are quickly followed by the discussion of whether the 'spectacle' is more important than the 'sport', or if it's all really worth it anyway. Those are all valid topics, and discussions which need to be had. Important decisions will need to be made on very serious topics. However, as Max Mosley has recently eluded those decisions should only be made with clear logic and rationale.

Everyone deals with the situation differently. For me it meant returning to the circuit the following day and maintaining a professional front. I knew there would be no racing, but as one involved with the club I felt I needed to be there, to help carry the burden every person there was feeling. It was an emotional and sombre day which left all eyes tear soaked.

An investigation followed then, as will now in Las Vegas and Malaysia. Recommendations will be made and decisions reached. The important thing now, in the wake of such an awful event, is not to be blinded by emotion when reacting. Motor racing is dangerous, it's an inescapable fact and is why it's written on each and every ticket.

Mat Coch
mat.coch@pitpass.com

To check out previous features from Mat, click here