There's a lunatic on the track! The stories of Race Invaders.

Singapore stunned by strange strolling spectator (right).

Every once in a while, something snaps inside a spectator's brain and forces them to enter the field of play during a sporting event. This is relatively commonplace in field games, like football and cricket, and often goes by with mild bemusement. When it takes place during a high-speed racing event, however, the astonishment is multiplied exponentially. Just what is happening inside the mind of a person who decides to throw themselves in front of high-speed action, putting their life in completely unnecessary danger?

A variant of this question was likely to have struck your thoughts if you were watching today's Singapore Grand Prix, when on lap 38 a fan decided to take the most casual stroll into the face of vehicles travelling at 180mph ever caught on camera. While this shocked commentator David Croft into first completely missing the incident, then saying he'd never seen anything like it, this is not totally unheard of in Formula One, as well as other forms of racing. Let's take a look at some of the other stories of race invaders, with perhaps the tentative aim of unravelling the mindset of these ridiculous ramblers.

Neil Horan - 2003 British Grand Prix

2003's British GP invader got even closer to the action.

Seasoned Formula One fans would have instantly had their minds cast back to the spectacular 2003 British Grand Prix following today's incident. On lap 11, very soon after Rubens Barrichello had incredibly retaken the lead of the race, cameras cut to the terrifying sight of a man clad in a green vest and flapping kilt, running wildly towards the incoming traffic. Drivers who flew into the Hangar straight were forced to weave around Neil Horan, who was wielding signs reading "The bible is always right". A few moments later, a brave marshal wrestled the intruder to the ground, before comically dragging him off by his arm.

Described as a 'lunatic' by commentator James Allen, Horan was later revealed to be a ousted priest with convictions that the second coming of Christ was due. Horan had published a book revealing his theory as to the details of the eventual apocalypse, presumably with the hope that he could become one of his self-described 'immortal saints' who would rule the world alongside Jesus for a millennium.

This justification didn't wash particularly well during trial. Rather, Neil Horan's senselessly dangerous actions were considered a threat to both his own life, and the life of the drivers who miraculously avoided him. Horan was sentenced to two months in prison, but it wasn't the last people would hear of him...

Neil Horan - 2004 Olympics: Men's Marathon

Horan pulled his signature move again at the Athens Olympics.

Just over a year later, Horan hit the headlines again. This time, he made a mockery of the security surrounding the most high-profile sporting event in the world by interrupting an Olympic event in Athens and costing an athlete a gold medal. With 7 kilometres of the men's marathon remaining, Brazilian runner Vanderlei de Lima had a decent advantage in the race and was closing in on glory. However, Horan leapt out from the crowd and attempted to drag Vanderlei to the ground. The resulting squabble, which was only ended when a Greek spectator pulled Vanderlei out of Horan's grasp, cost the Brazilian time and undoubtedly shook his rhythm, meaning he ended up finishing third.

Despite the incident, Vanderlei de Lima covered himself in glory with the exceptionally sporting acceptance of his poor fortune, smiling and waving to supporters with true grace. As he continued to run, Horan was arrested once more and later apologised for potentially costing the Brazilian victory. He was given a 12-month suspended sentence and fined 3000 Euros, with the judge opting for leniency given Horan's unstable mental state.

Horan continued to find himself in public eye following these two high-profile incidents. His protests at both the 2006 World Cup and the 2004 Epsom Derby were foiled before they could begin, and he made a successful entry onto Britain's Got Talent in which he was put through by the judges before embarrassed TV executives did their research and pulled the audition from broadcast. Depending on your views, Horan's actions are a result of mental health issues or a fanatical belief in prophetic religious theories, but in either case he has caused some high-profile sporting drama.

A former Mercedes employee - 2000 German Grand Prix

Hockenheim was halted by a different kind of protester.

This was another famous incident that F1 fans will have harped back to after the events of today's race, although less is known about the perpetrator besides the fact that he was a disgruntled Mercedes worker who had just been fired from his role. Similar to Horan, the man's motivation was one of protest, albeit on a far more personal level. The 47-year-old Frenchman took a calm stroll along the side of the track draped in a silver raincoat, bringing the safety car out and initiating a rush of pit-stops.

One of the most memorable aspects of this track invasion was Murray Walker's unashamed reaction of gratitude towards the man, who described developments as "Fantastic. That lunatic, whoever he is, is changing the complexion of the race". Rubens Barrichello would go on to win the race (as he did, coincidentally, in the above-mentioned 2003 British Grand Prix).

It emerged that the protestor had a previous mark against his name, having appeared in the pitlane during the 1999 French Grand Prix before being ejected by security officials. After the German Grand Prix, he was arrested by police before being released on bail - what happened next is unclear, as research seems to fall short of providing the answer. Perhaps the protests were successful, and the man is now back in his old job at Mercedes?

Or more likely, he moved on and did something else.

 

James Dennis - 2014 Richmond Race (NASCAR)

A unique view for a NASCAR race.

This person technically didn't quite make it to the track, but his actions still had a substantial effect on the race he was attending. James Dennis decided to climb the catch-fencing surrounding the track, making it all the way to the top before hanging above the racers as they swept around the corner. Dennis stayed in his self-earned grandstand position for a few minutes, gesturing towards the crowd before being taken away by police. In the meantime, caution lights halted the race that Dennis had aimed to get as close as possible to.

It was later revealed that a drunken Dennis had wanted to stop the race and get on TV, all because it was his birthday. The police didn't quite buy into the idea that being born on a particular day gives you license to disrupt a major sporting event, and testified against him. Dennis was sentenced to a month in jail, but certainly has one heck of a story to tell.

Darren Crowder - 1986 Winston 500 at Talladega

The carjacker was eventually apprehended.

Most track invaders have achieved their goal when they set foot on the race-course, but Darren Crowder decided to go one better in the build-up to the 1986 Winston 500. The 20-year-old from Alabama caused one of the most unforgettable moments in motor racing when he hopped into the unoccupied pace car and went for an impromptu drive around the circuit. Within moments, the pace car was being chased down by police motorcycles and cars, giving the crowd a scintillating warm-up event.

Crowder eventually pulled up and the police hauled him away in handcuffs.  Sadly, his fate is unknown through basic Googling, but one can only imagine that the cops were less-than-pleased with the slightly ludicrous show that they had been a part of. Despite this question mark, the whole incident makes for a truly remarkable YouTube video.

Emily Davison - 1913 Epsom Derby

Davison's actions arguably had a profound effect on history.

Let's finish with some history. In 1913, Emily Davison ran onto the track during the Epsom Derby as Anmer, the horse owned by King George V, approached. Davison was struck by the horse and suffered injuries that she would succumb to four days later. 

Davison was a known activist for the suffragette movement for women's votes, and it's universally agreed that her intrusion of the race was some form of protest to support the campaign. However, the exact intentions are still debated to this day. At the time, one theory that was promoted was that Davison had set out to commit suicide in order to become a figure of martyrdom for the suffragette movement. However, this is dismissible by evidence such as the return ticket in Davison's purse.

Eye-witnesses believed that Davison may have been simply trying to cross the track, thinking that all the horses had gone past before being struck by Anmer, whereas other spectators claimed that Davison was attempting to drag the horse down. However, more recent historical research has concluded that Davison was trying to throw a 'Votes for Women' sash around the King's horse so that it would be branding the suffragette message when it crossed the finish line.

Davison's actions ignited controversy and debate within Britain, with some decrying irresponsible and hysterical protest tactics, and others feeling that acts of such enormous risk displayed women's commitment to the suffragette cause. It was a track invasion of historical implications, and arguably laid some of the groundwork for the 1918 Representation of the People Act which finally allowed women's votes.

Summary

Each of these stories represents an extreme. Whether this be extreme belief, extreme anger or extreme stupidity, everyone who interrupts a race is going through something enormous. It will be fascinating to discover the story of today's Singapore Grand Prix stroller.

If you know of any other incredible track invasion incidents, or perhaps more information about any of the above tales, please let me know - it would be great to find out more!

Monday Comment - Are Mourinho's Media Tactics Wearing Thin?

Mourinho's post-match interview guarantees headlines.

It's not unusual to see teams completely out of place in the league standings after just five games, but that fails to soften the shocking start that Chelsea have had, leaving them teetering on the dotted line of relegation. Three defeats out of five games,  star players turning completely anonymous, and antics from Mourinho that are increasingly becoming a pure circus-act, have brought the pre-season favourites to their knees.

One wonders just how much of an impact the Eva Carneiro fiasco had on the Chelsea players and staff. While Mourinho refuses to back down on his comments following the 2-2 draw with Swansea, it has inarguably caused more of a distraction than a deflection. This sort of attempt to detract attention from the poor performances of players is nothing new, but the cruel impact it has had on someone's professional life may have turned figures within the club against Mourinho's brash media tactics, as whispers are suggesting.

Mourinho's treatment of the club doctor was a step too far for many.

Besides, Mourinho's famed wheel of excuses is now falling extremely short of blocking the attention of the punditry from his slack squad. Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic have all come in for their rightful share of heavy criticism after littering Chelsea's opening games with poor performances. It's almost as if the usual method of trying to deflect media scrutiny from his team is making analysts more determined to pick out the growing problems with Chelsea's football, ignoring the redundant excuses that inevitably tumble down the pipeline after the final whistle (very little has been made of Mourinho's ludicrous claim that part of the team's defeat to Everton was down to the computers breaking the day before).

We're left with an interesting situation at Chelsea now. Mourinho must band together a team short on form and morale, a task that has seldom cropped up for 'The Special One' in his years of relentless success. Despite the problems, it seems unlikely that he will face pressure against his job unless this patch of form continues into the winter, but Mourinho is driven towards league titles and will be desperate to get the club's title campaign back on track.

Martial's lore

Martial's goal was very Thierry Henry, but he won't want to end up going all Bebe.

Another great Old Trafford tale may have begun on Saturday, when Anthony Martial shifted the ball past a trio of dumbstruck Liverpool defenders before slotting home in front of an ecstatic Stretford End. Martial's move to Manchester United comes with an enormous amount of pressure - arguably more than any teenager footballer has had to deal with before. However, if his goal against United's fiercest rivals is anything to go by, the rising French star will hardly break a sweat.

United haven't always had much luck bringing in young strikers. Names such as Federico Macheda, Bebe and David Bellion represent unmet promises in the team's past. Anthony Martial still has a long way to go before he can permanently escape that list, but time is on the 19 year-old's side. Martial will continue to develop over the next few years, and such a high transfer price means that he should find himself given plenty of opportunities, lest the board are made to look like money-tossing fools.

The battle for fifth - Leicester versus Palace?

Riyad Mahrez has been one of the early stars of the season.

Two teams that have truly been impressive in the first five fixtures are Leicester City and Crystal Palace. Leicester finished last season on a high, yet remarkably Claudio Ranieri has worked out how to shift the team into an even higher gear. Fast attacking play has made the Foxes the joint-highest scorers in the league alongside Manchester City with 11 goals, and with a seemingly insatiable strikeforce, it seems that Leicester will continue to thrill and entertain throughout the season.

Where Leicester have arguably benefitted from a winnable run of fixtures, Palace have endured the opposite, taking on Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City in the first five games. Despite this, Alan Pardew's side have looked impressive in every match they have played, and sit in fifth with 9 points. Even in their defeats to Arsenal and Man City, they have performed extremely well and were unlucky not to snatch a result. Palace were touted as potential dark horses pre-season, but it seems more as if they are a legitimately excellent side that ought to expect a top-half finish at the very least.

Yohan Cabaye may be the buy of the summer.

Can either of these teams push for Europe? It feels as if there could be a surprise this season, and currently these two sides look the most likely to pull it off (Swansea would also be a contender here, despite their defeat to Watford). Considering the run of fixtures both sides have had, I would argue that Palace are more likely to finish in the top 6 than Leicester. It certainly wouldn't be beyond Alan Pardew - let's not forget how close he came to driving Newcastle into a Champions League spot in 2012.

Ighalo goal gets Golden Boys going

Ighalo's second goal of the season sealed Watford's first win.

You may or may not remember how I argued for Watford's survival a few weeks back. I'm not saying I was definitely right all along, but I feel that Watford's victory is a good reminder of their ability to succeed for those who had mentally put the nails in the coffin.

Admittedly, the stats didn't look good - no goals in 3 games, no wins, etc. But Watford have played well in all of their fixtures, and have scored points against strong teams. It did seem as if people had already written off the promotion side who hadn't yet thrilled, but I think there's more to come from Watford, and the Vicarage Road fire is only really simmering.

Nevertheless, it was crucial they scored a confidence-boosting victory against Swansea, as a winless start can have a damaging, numbing effect on a season.

Good God! Great Grid!

How will history speak of our current crop of drivers?

When Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in Monza yesterday afternoon, he completed his 40th Grand Prix victory - a tally that ranks him 5th in the history of the sport for race wins. One place above him is Ferrari's German magician Sebastian Vettel with 41 - tied with Ayrton Senna. One place below Hamilton is the imperious but currently wasted Spaniard Fernando Alonso with 32. 

So that's the fourth, fifth and sixth most successful drivers all currently on the race grid, and all with plenty more time to add a caveat of Grand Prix victories to their already bulging records (some may argue that Alonso's light is fading, but it would take a true cynic to deny his ability to seize the opportunity of success when it arises). Beyond these three megastars, former champions Kimi Raikkonen and Jenson Button also continue to plug away in Formula One, while nobody doubts the fantastic talents of Nico Rosberg, Felipe Massa , Valtteri Bottas, Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo.

The best there has been?

Is this the most talented grid in Formula One history? There is definitely quality throughout the paddock, with a mixture of established pros and rising stars dicing it out on track. Some may sneer, and offer the likes of Pastor Maldonado as a rebuttal, but I'm referring to both the quantity of supremely skilled drivers, as well as the greatness by which they are regarded. 

However, it is only fair to say that time will tell. We have five champions on the grid, but one can envisage drivers like Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo going on to take the crown in future seasons. Perhaps in ten years people will look back at the current crop and judge a few more of the above names as legends of the sport. With that in mind, let's have a quick look down memory (or in my case, slightly rushed research) lane at some of the other contenders for the most star-studded grids in Formula One history.

1965 - Champion: Jim Clark (beating Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart and Dan Gurney) 

Jim Clark was integral to an iconic time in F1's history.

Let's start exactly half a century ago, a season of undeniably legendary drivers which was ultimately dominated by the Brits. Jim Clark won six races to take his second championship title, which he would inevitably have added to had it not been for his tragic death in 1968. Clark led home his fellow countrymen Graham Hill and Jackie Stewart, the latter of whom made his Formula One debut during this season and cemented what was to come with his first race victory at the Italian Grand Prix. This terrific trio, perhaps, appropriately mirrors the current season's top crop. 

Further down the standings, the list of talented drivers just seems to continue endlessly. 1964 champion John Surtees returned with Ferrari, as well as Jack Brabham who was between his second and third titles. Furthermore, future champion Denny Hulme began his racing career in 1965 with the Brabham team, while another champ-to-be Jochen Rindt had his first full season in F1 in a Cooper. Other noteworthy names include Dan Gurney, Lorenzo Bandini, Jo Bonnier, Jo Siffert and Bruce McLaren. 

Truly, 1965 was a glorious year for F1. It's fair to mention that all seven of the champions listed above would finish in positions 1-7 in the standings for 1966, but 1965 gets the nod here purely for the strength of the entire field. 

1975 - Champion: Niki Lauda (beating Emerson Fittipaldi, Carlos Reutemann and James Hunt)

In an era of legends, it's arguable that Lauda outranks them all.

Ten years later, Formula One has cooked up another delicious batch of brilliance. Niki Lauda's "unbelievable year" saw him cruise to his first world title in a tremendous Ferrari which easily had the upper hand on the rest of the field. Nevertheless, Lauda had to triumph over some fine competitors to capitalise on his advantage. Emerson Fittipaldi was looking for a second consecutive title in his McLaren, and he began the season strongly before car troubles hampered his hopes.

Many observers fancied the chances of Brabham's skilful Argentinean Carlos Reutemann before the beginning of the year. Though never a champion, Reutemann was highly regarded throughout his Formula One career, and was agonisingly close to a title of his own when he missed out by one point in 1981. Brabham's projected dominance never failed to materialise.

This season also included James Hunt's famous victory for the Hesketh team, a performance that gave F1 a premonition of the amazing title-fight to come the following year. Carlos Pace also secured his historic Interlagos win, making this a tremendous year for tremendous stories. Other noteworthy drivers included champions Jody Scheckter, Mario Andretti and Alan Jones, as well as Clay Regazzoni, Jochen Mass, Ronnie Peterson and Jacky Ickx.

1986 - Champion: Alain Prost (beating Nigel Mansell, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna)

Prost lines up against Mansell - whose tyre blowout would hand him the title.

This list couldn't possibly be complete without a season including Senna, Prost, Mansell and Piquet. It's difficult to argue that there has ever been a better top four than this. The proof of Prost's success is in both his statistics (four World Championships and 51 career victories) and the prestigious truth that he was the only driver who could challenge Senna at his most rampant. Nigel Mansell, as well as being a massively popular figure, was setting a new standard for British drivers (his tally of race victories was only recently toppled by Lewis Hamilton) and finished a devastatingly close second following the tyre failure that British fans try so desperately to forget.

Nelson Piquet was undeniably strong and still had a title in him, which he would take the following season. And finally, do we really need to say anything more about Ayrton Senna? Even before his three World Championships, Formula One was under no illusions as to the truly sensational young driver's future. To this day, it's difficult to find any rational motorsport fan who wouldn't include Ayrton Senna as one of the greatest drivers in the sport.

Such strength in these characters alone would warrant inclusion in this list, but this season deserves extra consideration for the addition of champions Keke Rosberg and Alan Jones, and the talents of Stefan Johansson, Gerhard Berger and Michele Alboreto. Perhaps unfairly, this season also gets further preference for the outrageously dramatic title decider in the Australian Grand Prix.

Any more?

Was '97 - with Schumi, Villeneuve, Damon and Mika - worth a shout?

These are just three examples of great eras in Formula One, but I'm sure that you, dear reader, may have other candidates you feel are worthy of mention. So feel free to comment on your pick from the list, or perhaps your own nomination for the greatest grid in F1 history. Go on! I bloody dare you!

Iceland in the Ascendency

Iceland fans are celebrating unprecedented success.

With the European Championships expanding from 16 to 24 teams, the qualification campaign for France 2016 seemed unlikely to generate much significant discussion. There were fears that the larger teams would coast into the competition having broken barely a bead of sweat, while Europe's perennial whipping boys would continue to battle against conceding double figures in every tie. The only real drama, it appeared, would be from middling nations scrapping for play-off places.

But a spread of fascinating narratives across the continent has spiced up the intrigue in this deceptively straightforward elimination process. Wales have seized their best opportunity to qualify for a major tournament since 1958, by surprisingly dominating a group containing the much-fancied Belgians. On the flipside, 2004 champions Greece have suffered the indignity of defeats to Faroe Islands, which has summed up a tumultuous qualification campaign in which they are now on their third manager.

Flying, under the radar

Iceland's diminutive stature provides a stark contrast to their brilliant form.

These are fascinating tales of massively changing fortunes, but while these steal the column inches, the extraordinary events of Group A arguably mark the most significant upset taking place in Europe. Iceland, a nation with the miniscule population of just 300,000 people, could be making their major tournament debut next summer. This is impressive enough, but the manner in which Iceland may qualify is truly astounding.

No-one would have given Strákarnir okkar much more than a prayer five years ago, and despite a good 2014 World Cup qualification campaign, a tough group kept their hopes similarly watered down. Iceland were pitted against the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Turkey - three strong nations, and even with a play-off place for third, Iceland seemed like just an outside hope. 

Iceland's double Dutch success

As well as victories over Holland, Iceland have triumphed over Turkey and Czech Republic.

Flash forward to today, and Iceland have climbed above all of these teams. With three games to go, Iceland have already assured a play-off place, and have an 8 point cushion for automatic qualification - capable mathematicians will spot that this means just one more victory will propel Iceland into a historic first major tournament.

Amongst Iceland's most impressive performances in the campaign are two victories over the Netherlands. This ought not to be taken lightly - Holland reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup, which included a 5-1 victory over previous champions Spain. Iceland beat them 2-0 at home almost a year ago, capitalising on a laboured performance from the Dutch with two Gylfi Sigurdsson goals. 

However, tonight's 1-0 win at the Amsterdam ArenA displays Iceland's legitimate international pedigree, proving that they are beyond just triumphing over jaded giants. Some sources suggest that Iceland managed to keep 71% of the possession, a ridiculous statistic if true. Neither of these victories were fluke results, but illustrated the culmination of Iceland as a well-oiled machine of a side.

What has changed for Iceland to become sudden heavyweights?

A novel coaching team

Lars Lagerback's arrival has had a monumental impact.

Iceland's ascendency can be traced back to 2011, with the appointment of Lars Lagerback. Lagerback was Sweden manager between 2000 and 2009, during which he led the Swedes to qualify for every major tournament besides the 2010 World Cup. With such an excellent track record, Iceland's appointment of Lagerback is a coup that may have turned the course of the nation's history. 

According to Lagerback, the Icelandic FA didn't set their new manager any specific targets, but he quickly set about changing the mentality of the team. Lagerback focussed on maximising the efficiency of Iceland's players with astute, comprehensive tactical planning. As well as this, he looked to develop a professional, strong and positive attitude from his squad.

His success was almost immediate - it's easy to forget that Iceland were just one victory away from reaching the 2014 World Cup. An impressive campaign saw them finish second to Switzerland, and the (ultimately, and blamelessly, inexperienced) team came up short against Croatia in the play-offs. Despite this gut-wrenchingly close call, the progress Iceland had made was unmistakable. In 2013, the Icelandic FA took the novel approach of promoting Lagerback's assistant manager Heimir Hallgrimsson to joint-head coach. The arc of progress has remained consistent, and Lagerback's considerable achievements may be topped if Iceland can make history.

Star men

Gylfi Sigurdsson's creative flair, set-piece prowess and ability to keep the ball has been vital.

Just as Wales' surge in form can be partly credited to having a star talent in Gareth Bale, Iceland can look to Gylfi Sigurdsson as the talisman for their recent success. Sigurdsson tops the scoring charts in Group A with 5 goals, including three against Holland. Though he may not be an £85million megastar in the same way as Bale, Sigurdsson's value to Iceland is incalculable, and Lagerback has previously reserved special praise for his top attacking-midfielder. 

Though Sigurdsson draws the plaudits for his attacking talent, it should be noted that Iceland's defence has performed just as remarkably. The combined efforts of Ragnar Sigurdsson, Birkir Saevarsson, Ari Skulason and Kari Arnason, along with goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson, mean that Iceland have conceded just three goals throughout the entire campaign (one of which was an own goal). The combination of capable attacking flair and solid defending has made Iceland an imperious opponent.

Real contenders?

Iceland will reach Euro 2016 - but just how far can they go?

With only one more win required, and home fixtures to Kazakhstan and Latvia still to come, Iceland's qualification is almost assured. A massive bridge will have been crossed, but Iceland won't dwell on simply reaching Euro 2016 - there is plenty of reason to believe that they could go further.

One of the implications of the new 24-team format means that it will be possible to qualify for the knockout fixtures by finishing third in the group stages. Given Iceland's excellent results in qualifying, Lars Lagerback will likely see this as an absolute minimum for the team, and will potentially even eye a quarter-final given the team's penchant for causing upsets.

Iceland's prospects will be brightened by their current world ranking position of 23rd, which should make it likely that they compete in a group free from the 'big nations'. Nevertheless, if Iceland do find themselves in a group of death, Lagerback will have no qualms about attempting to pull off the shock he managed when bringing Sweden into the knockout stages of the 2002 World Cup, eliminating Argentina in the process.

Iceland's story is already a major surprise, but the biggest shock may be yet to come.