Highside/Lowside - A Motorcycle Podcast S09E05: MotoGP: Everything You Wanted To Know
Oct 25, 2024
Mat Oxley, a race legend and long-time MotoGP journalist, shares his extensive knowledge of motorcycle racing. He discusses the fascinating history of MotoGP, including the emergence of the sport post-WWII and its global expansion. Oxley touches on the evolution of rider fitness, the tension between technology and entertainment, and the brutal demands placed on modern racers. He delves into the reasons behind the decline of American riders and the impact of Liberty Media's acquisition on the sport's future.
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Why MotoGP Matters
- MotoGP is the cutting edge of motorcycle sport combining extreme speed, money, and global media reach.
- Racing drives technology and shapes road-bike development over decades.
How The World Championship Began
- Motorcycle world championship evolved from prewar European competitions and formalized after WWII.
- The FIM (founded 1904) became the long-standing governing body for international motorcycle racing.
Racing's Brutal Early Days
- Early international races were chaotic and dangerous; organizers sometimes halted long road races after multiple deaths.
- Board track racing in the US exposed riders to extreme risk and frequent fatalities.
