I'm sure his family don't think that way. I've always thought that the TT is just one big name crash away from having its whole future seriously questioned.
Depends how much they support his racing. Saw a great interview with the kiwi rider who died 's wife (cant remember his name) and she was mega supportive and had no regrets and knows he died doing what he loved most, after her and the child. The lad had even started bike riding, and she came over for the TT Others will be distraught
Death leaves big voids in those closest to the departed however much they support what they do. I'm not advocating it should be stopped by any means but any death should not be considered acceptable in any form of sport however dangerous it is otherwise it will eventually be banned altogether.
Many of the racers will tell you that risk is part of the thrill of racing at the TT. They know what they are getting themselves into and fortunately the IOM is ruled by themselves and not by the EU etc so they will keep it going thankfully.
I don't think risk plays any part at all, it's the enjoyment of bike riding. Anyone who gets on there bike at any circuit (racing or trackday) is putting themselves at risk. But you have expert medical staff close by in case of an accident, unlike trying to ride your bike fast on a road where ?? How long could it take you to receive medical attention if the unforeseen happened to you. If I thought about risk and what "could happen" I'd quit track days and keep the missus happy, risk is the last thing on my mind. The documentary with Dobbs wife was quite sad, but it was a family hobby that all had enjoyed, there perspective may change as time goes on.
The risk at a circuit is a lot less due to run off areas etc, there is no lamposts, kerbs, bumpy sections of road or hump back bridges on any of them. I think you need to watch a few interviews with some of the TT riders such as Guy Martin who have clearly stated the risk is what makes it exciting for them. Yes what happened to Dobsy was sad but as said on the the Closer to the Edge film they all knew the risks and nobody forced them to do it. I hope you are completely wrong with your thinking with regards to perspective, it is upto the the guys and girls who race there it shouldn't as with so many other things these days be up to some Brussels bureaucrat to decide in this ever increasing nanny state what other people should and shouldn't be allowed to do!
I was told a by a friend who lives on the IOM that the make-up of the IOM government is slowly changing over time as its become a tax haven for the rich and wealthy. He suspects it till eventually change to a point where those with the most power will no longer be local people and whose only interest is a quiet sedate life and they may well decide they no longer want bikes taking over the Island for a month each year. Only time will tell i guess.
The TT and other races on the IOM generate a huge part of the islands income and I don't think many of the residents would sign up to anything like that happening. From what ive heard some businesses get about 80% of their annual income in the TT fornight.
