ESPN

It was just a short time ago - five years, to be exact - that rallying was introduced as a competition in the X Games. The first event started out in spectacular fashion, with Travis Pastrana beating out the late Colin McRae after the former World Rally Championship winner rolled his car with just a few turns to go.

Motorsports are dangerous, there's no doubt about it. Drivers, co-drivers and track personnel are well aware of the possibilities of serious injury or even death, but perhaps those watching from the stands should be more concerned with their safety as well. This point was driven home over the weekend when a female spectator was reportedly struck by a dislodged tire during the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler near Phoenix.