'I love racing because it can kill you'

[Debaser]

Interesting interview with Guy Martin.

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/dec/07/...

[grkify]

I know hes a complete marmite kinda guy but personally love him.

[J4CKO]

I think he is a great person to have on TV, because, like he says in the interview it isn't about being on Tv for the sake of it or even the money by the sounds of it, he just likes engines and going fast, he is kind of like a slightly unhinged Fred Dibnah, I think there is something not quite right with him in some way, the realtive lack of fear, his manner, repeating everything, engaging bloke but borderline mental

[aka_kerrly]

J4CKO said:

I think there is something not quite right with him in some way, the realtive lack of fear, his manner, repeating everything, engaging bloke but borderline mental

Which is exactly why I like him, calls a spade a spade , doesn't appear to act up for the camera and seems genuinely passionate about everything he is involved with be it a superbike, a steam train whatever. He strikes me as a proper bloke who likes anything involving engineering/wheels/power etc

[Schtum]

"My Volvo Estate’s nice, it’s real nice, a 1968 [model], a right rare thing. Dear."

Being just a little bit economical with the truth there, aren't you, Guy....?



http://www.driving.co.uk/news/guy-martin-on-his-vo...

[Europa1]

I like the guy. As other posters have said, calls a spade a spade. His programme about restoring a Spitfire contained a gem: someone had sprayed graffiti on a Spitfire memorial. Guy Martin's view on the miscreant? "Show some respect. Knobber."

Plus his enthusiasm for his subjects is palpable, as was his sense of respect and honour when he worked on the Spitfire.

[mybrainhurts]

Europa1 said:

calls a spade a spade.

I know a professor who said that in a lecture.

A student made a formal complaint of racism against him and there was an investigation.

[Deerfoot]

I'm reading his book at the moment and there's a section on competitors deaths at the TT, it's an interesting insight into the psychology of a racer.

I'm really enjoying the book, he's certainly lived a life far removed from what most people might expect.

[DonkeyApple]

J4CKO said:

I think he is a great person to have on TV, because, like he says in the interview it isn't about being on Tv for the sake of it or even the money by the sounds of it, he just likes engines and going fast, he is kind of like a slightly unhinged Fred Dibnah, I think there is something not quite right with him in some way, the realtive lack of fear, his manner, repeating everything, engaging bloke but borderline mental

Yup. Fred Dibnah, dropped on his head and full of drugs. Cracking TV character. Much needed.

[boxedin]

Anything that puts you in a 'controlled danger of death' is fun :-)

Untitled by bmw_motorrad_uk, on Flickr

[J4CKO]

mybrainhurts said:

Europa1 said:

calls a spade a spade.

I know a professor who said that in a lecture.

A student made a formal complaint of racism against him and there was an investigation.

Jesus, the student needs some more education and to know when to shut up, that phrase goes back to Ancient Greece and refers to gardening tools, the Racial Slur is from the 20th century, "Black as the Ace of Spaces" is a racial slur and is perhaps where people get confused and offended.

[petrolsniffer]

Guy said:

I expected you, as a self-proclaimed “pistonhead”, to be more sceptical about electric vehicles.

You can’t shy away from what’s happening. And it’s happening. But full electric [vehicles]? I’m not all for that, really. Not until nuclear fusion’s sorted [as a common, consumer source of power]. Otherwise, electrical energy, it’s bullst, really, for all these green freaks, isn’t it? You know, with hybrids, with electric cars, all you’re doing is burning fossil fuels in a power station, sending it down a power line, and putting it into your car. And what we’re doing is burning fossil fuels in an internal combustion engine. It’s the same end result, you’re just burning a fossil fuel in a different place. When nuclear fusion’s sorted – another 50 years I reckon – that’s when we can make electricity more efficient. Until that day? I think it’s a load of st.

Run this guy for transport minister

[Pie with sauce]

mybrainhurts said:

I know a professor who said that in a lecture.

A student made a formal complaint of racism against him and there was an investigation.

You should work for Top Gear.

Or apply for a job as a moderator on Mumsnet...?

[TonyRPH]

There's another linked article with more of an insight.

He has 21 points on his licence lol.

Guy Martin on: speeding on public roads said:

“I love risking my life, but to get the buzz on a bike on public roads I’d need to be doing 180mph. You can’t, and I wouldn’t want to. I’ve got 21 points on my licence. I just keep getting caught in the van. I was in court recently. The judge asked me if it would affect my living if I couldn’t drive. I said, ‘I race motorbikes, I race mountain bikes and I go to work, and if I can’t drive, I can’t do any of them.’ He gave me three points and let me keep my licence.”

ETA: Sorry - same URL as posted above with a pic of the Volvo.