Bike racing?s great isn?t it" Whether you?re the one helmeted up and sat on the grid or watching it from the comfort of your favourite arm chair, there aren?t many things that beat it. And whilst BSB, WSBK, MotoGP and the like all definitely put the lead in my pencil, there are a handful of events that make a sixteen lap Superbike race round Silverstone seem slightly silly. Not for the feint hearted, these events are some of the fastest, most gruelling races in the world; races that have been separating the men from the boys for decades. So without any further ado, here’s the top five most iconic and bonkers bike races in the world; as decided by 44Teeth.

Mirja Geh / Red Bull Content Pool

5 – Baja 1000
Over here in Blighty, the Baja 1000 isn?t as well-known as it is in North and South America. But my word, it sure is one hell of an event. It started back in the ?60s when Bud Ekins? brother rode a Honda CL72 Scrambler the 953 miles from Tijuana to La Paz, to show off how fast and reliable the new model was. It took him 39 hours and 56 minutes. He didn?t think was bad. Until a few years later the four wheel boys had a go and took five hours off his time. Before long the National Off-Road Racing Association had been set up and the Baja 1000 was an annual event. There are classes for bikes, cars, trucks and side-by-sides. And although the route varies each year, you can expect to have to tackle some of Baja California?s toughest terrain. The race ...