Deadly Races: Faith, Fear, and the Price of Glory

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Once a year during the month of May, approximately one hundred motorcyclists hailing from various parts of the globe gather at the starting point in Portstewart. This is where the North West 200, the largest road racing event held in Northern Ireland, gets underway.

About two weeks ago, another yearly event occurred 80 miles south in County Monaghan: a tribute gathering where bike enthusiasts come together to honor their fellow riders who tragically passed away due to accidents.

This sport, known to all participants and spectators, carries a haunting mortality rate, as demonstrated by the fact that only one season since 1937 has passed without a fatality in either the Isle of Man TT or the Manx Grand Prix. Tragically, five lives were lost during the 2022 TT races alone. A helicopter is always on standby to transport competitors to the hospital, and at events like the NW200, there’s even a chaplain, Reverend John Kirkpatrick, present.

In the BBC documentary “Ride or Die,” a former Presbyterian minister is highlighted. This program delves into how Christian faith impacts racers; several participants choose not to race on Sundays and conceal sacred medallions within their racing gear. The documentary introduces Lee Johnston, a five-time winner eager to return to the track following a 2023 accident, as well as Maria Costello, who prefers the camaraderie of racing over that found in religious community.

Rob Hodson has continued racing without a single absence since his brother Jamie passed away in a crash back in 2017, explaining, “If I were to stop racing, it would feel like we lost Jamie for no reason.” On the other hand, Kevin Keyes is still mourning the loss of his unborn twins during pregnancy. He views them as his guardian angels, asking them to protect him during his races.

I also wished for the safety of William Dunlop. He began racing at just 15 years old and amassed an impressive 108 national wins, continuing the racing tradition in his family, where both his father Robert and uncle Joey were highly esteemed legends. Sadly, Robert met his end in a practice session crash at the 2008 NW200; just two days later, William and his brother Michael took to the track, with Michael securing an emotional victory that was as thrilling for spectators as it was poignant.

In 2014, I encountered William, who shared an insight about racers: they rarely contemplate danger until an accident happens, and one finds oneself in a hospital bed questioning, “Why do I do this?” Eventually, the pain subsides, and the desire to get back on the track returns. At that moment, his leg was encased in a cast, fractured in two spots following a crash during the 2014 Isle of Man TT race. He also expressed his intention to continue racing for an extended period.

William was a charming, lighthearted young man, and our friendship endured for four years until tragically, he met an accident at the Skerries 100 and passed away from his injuries. He left behind two little girls under the age of three. His sibling Michael still competes in races.

As an enthusiast, I must say that these individuals are passionately devoted to their craft, seemingly content with the bargain they’ve made – a Faustian pact, if you will. They understand that living life on the edge comes with the constant possibility of slipping and falling. For them, everything meaningful carries its own price, as the empathetic Kirkpatrick so eloquently puts it: “Pain can offer us a profound sense of God’s presence.

However, it’s not just the racers who experience that pain; their loved ones do too. For every thrilling moment of speed, freedom, and potential glory, there are periods filled with fear and grief that partners, children, and even the wider community endure. As Kevin’s wife puts it, “His racing brings him peace, but it causes me stress.” This is the toll she pays for loving him.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but find deep resonance in the film “Ride or Die.” It delves into the heart of what it truly means to commit to something that brings us joy, yet comes with its own set of costs. This is a struggle we all encounter, although perhaps not to the same extent.

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2025-04-15 03:36