Enjoy the video version on YouTube at Real Risk Podcast.
At the top end of town in motor sports - Formula 1 and MotoGP, the budgets are eye watering. The technology is beyond comprehension and the competition to get a seat or a ride is extraordinary with countless young wannabes vying for a tiny number of opportunities.
So when the red lights go out and the racing starts, the need for not only speed but also reliability is obvious. A tenth of a second here or there gained through tyre choice or suspension setup will win races. Much of this is in the hands of the crew chief, the person responsible for coordinating the different teams who look after all the different systems and who can also interpret the feedback from the racer.
In motor cycle Formula 1 (the MotoGP), the best of these crew chiefs was Australian Jeremy Burgess. "JB" looked after some massive names - Randy Mamola, Freddy Spencer, Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan and Valentino Rossi. JB earn't the nickname "The Kingmaker" through his involvement with over 15 World Championships! It was a delight to chat with one of Adelaide's own who made it big on the world stage.