Moments ago, at the FIM World Superbike & AMA Pro Racing motorcycle races at Miller Motorsports Park, in Tooele, UT, immediately following the crash of the Jordan Suzuki rider #54, Roger Lee Hayden, several officials hurried from their trackside posts with a medical bag, fire extinguisher and a stretcher. While preparedness is always a good idea, I think this exhibits more misplaced posturing than well-placed purpose. Professional motorcycle racers regularly compete with broken bones, and an “off” during a race is common and usually inconsequential— no need to rush. But, time is of the essence in more serious situations, like in winning or earning points. What these racers most need (and want!) is a couple of burly guys to sprint out, lift the bike off the ground, and— lickety-split— push ’em back into the race. But, bureaucratic procedure is what it is.
How many times though, even when we have a say, do we allow others’ priorities, protocols, and preferences to impede our own personal imperative?