Racing on the streets (the lack of tracks and infrastructure)

[image source: https://www.mrfmotorsports.com/championship/on-road/two-wheeler/mrf-mmsc-fmsci-indian-national-motorcycle-racing-championship-2024 ] I don't make a lot of posts, more of a commenter, a participant to various discussions. This one topic however, had made me realise that there's an alarming trend in this very own sub. Just yesterday (I am sure most of the sub did), we came across this post called "Skills" that showcased two KTM riders riding recklessly across hilly roads. I had pointed out how such activity needs to be taken to the tracks and I came across a few counter rarguments that attempted to justify the behavior. Enumerating a few: "Where do we have tracks in India?" "How many people can access it?" "How many are open to public?" And the one that irked me the most was "This is Elitism" It isn't. It isn't elitism. It isn't a rich vs poor scenario. It's about your priorities. Full disclosure: I am a Chennaite from a middle class family. Lower middle class to be honest. I had to quit practicing law (I had a passion for the profession) but because of our family situations, I had to pick a corporate job and it's a dreaded situation because... Well, I'm not fit for the job, underpaid, overworked, and even today, I need to rush off to the office ahead of time and I don't get paid for overtime. I have family responsibilities. The motorcycles I have access to, though several, are not sportsbikes. And I probably can't own one until my family situation gets better and they no longer have to rely on motorcycles for commuting. Now all that is set in stone, I have been to three track days. How? I saved up, hired motorcycles (they even provide you at Madras International Circuit) brought gear, and did it. Thrice. It's not a matter of money, it's not a matter of where you come from, or who you are, man or woman. As I replied to one of the comments, it's what you're willing to let go. I don't goto movies, no using any of these movie platforms, the laptop I work on is literally ripped apart and opened, and sometimes, I have to manually spin the cooler fan on for it to start. I've got holes in several of my underwear but they're still wearable. So there ya go. I've shamelessly put myself out there for one reason only: Guys, racing on roads, whatever is might be, is inexcusable. If you can't afford to do it today, save up for tomorrow. Head to a track. You don't have to be rich. I do it with my own money, a fresher. And I've done it thrice before, and I'll do it more again. If racing isn't your passion, then don't engage in riding fast at all, because the only other reason you probably own a motorcycle is for commuting. Do just that. Remember, today you race, you're ok. Tomorrow a fellow points a finger at you, does the same. Would you be fine losing your own parent or loved one to a road accident because someone decided there weren't enough tracks so road racing is justified? It isn't. I've had friends lose their loved ones and I've seen what it does to people. I understand our country needs to work better, providing all types of sportspersons with the required infrastructure. I understand your frustrations. But none of it justifies road racing. Tracks are the answer. This comes from me. A lower middle income group person. We can do it. If there's one thing I can vouch for and you can trust me on this: If you can afford a second hand sport (R15 is sufficient) you can most definitely afford to goto track, because I've seen it, I've done it. I know you can too. Let's make the Indian roads safer. Let's show the world that the real riders are the dudes that keep the roads safe. That we're not the infernals on two wheels that most media portrays us as.