I don't know exactly how race track insurance works. It's been the talk since the WDRA interview and that was one of the main talking points.
How does it work when a sanctioned track runs a no prep or backwards race? I really can't see an insurance company signing off on racing from the shutdown towards the starting line like some sanctioned tracks are doing. How do they keep insurance?

I bought race track insurance for about 13 years. The insurance company does not really specify HOW you run your event, only that you meet some of the "standards" of the industry and then there are required signage, guardrail rules, etc.

If they feel you were careless or reckless while using their insurance I can guarantee you the insurance company will have a way out if it gets too ugly. Leaving the track owner and participants at higher risk.

Jok

I just couldn't see how an insurance company could cover some of these events, especially the insurance company tied to the sanctioning body.
How often do the insurance companies do an inspection at tracks? When I had a business, they would send inspectors.

quote:

Originally posted by Eman:
I don't know exactly how race track insurance works. How does it work when a sanctioned track runs a no prep or backwards race? I really can't see an insurance company signing off on racing from the shutdown towards the starting line like some sanctioned tracks are doing. How do they keep insurance?

What in the world would even make a track operator or a racer want to do that?? (Guessing to add an extra thrill to the crowd of idiot spectators they allow at the starting line for no-prep / TNT night?) Would they keep the crowd there at what we normal folks call the starting line, and let them stand 5 feet from the "finish line" as the cars rocket past them?

Rockingham an NHRA track has been holding these backwards events for awhile. No prep

Thunder Valley in Noble, OK (NHRA track) has had the backwards events for years.

I just don't understand what the appeal or logic is behind a backward race, for participant or spectator. What makes it better or more interesting than a normal race, starting at the starting line, and finishing at the finish line? Are they blowing under the tower at 150+ MPH?

Footbrake Jim, that's my point and how do you insure an event like that. It's becoming more popular with the outlaw no prep crowd and racetracks are cashing in on it.
To me racing away from the shutdown sand pit and racing towards grandstands buildings and walls just doesn't make sense.
Been a few years back but Bristol had a bright idea of putting a set of stands at the finish line for the national event. It was an extra fee to experience the 300+ mph top fuel cars. Someone popped a motor at the stripe and I bet a few of the spectators popped something too. That was the last I saw of that idea.

quote:

Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
I just don't understand what the appeal or logic is behind a backward race, for participant or spectator. What makes it better or more interesting than a normal race, starting at the starting line, and finishing at the finish line? Are they blowing under the tower at 150+ MPH?

It's an effort to simulate virgin street conditions, but not on the street.
The worse the traction, the more all racers have a shot of winning, it's about tuning for traction management and driving a handfull.

Check YouTube for "War in the Woods" if you want to see how sketchy it can get.

Short answer to the original question....this how it worked at the track I worked at.

Event coverage was purchased "per event"
Coverage availability is largely dependent on the track's claims record.

The insurance company gives ZERO copulations about how the events are run, or what tech standards are applied, AS LONG AS THERE ARE NO CLAIMS PAID. They're pretty much like the *HRAs in regards to wearing the blinders.

Yes, there are cursory and sometimes more close inspections of the facilities, by sanction officials and insurance officials, sometimes the sanction or insurance company may present a wish list, and the operator is expected to keep records of seating and facility inspections also. They prefer to have the "hot" areas restricted to adult participants and crew members.

Almost all claims paid by insurance companies at a race facility are spectator injury related, (trip and fall, golf carts/scooters, pedestrian related stuff, and the usual career slip and fall lottery crowd).

I had always heard that liability insurance (which is already ridiculously expensive for a racetrack), is even worse if you are not affiliated with a sanctioning body. I guess it's kind of like taking a defensive driving course to lower your car insurance rates - it doesn't really mean anything but it makes the insurance company feel better.

In the first interview I watched with Don Scott of the WDRA he tells what his insurance cost at his track. It was 300+ for T&T and 500+ for a race. You purchase it by event which I always wondered how that worked, do you pay in advance or after the event in case it's cancelled.

I do not see any company covering a track that allows 50 people on starting line with cars doing burnout thru them. Hell then do not see why ahyone would stand there.

Chris have you been to a Big Dawg race at Piedmont lately? Looks like 1/2 the attendees are on the starting line.

Just as bad at no prpep and small tire.Think small tire worst of all.