Regulations for specialty race events defined after fatal accident
By Jeremiah Davis, The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
To answer those questions requires an understanding of the basic circumstances surrounding the event itself.
Pickart was killed while competing in the School Bus/RV class race Saturday night. His RV overturned in what normally serves as Turn 1 on the 1/4 mile at the speedway, during the portion of the event where races were run in the clockwise (as opposed to counter clockwise in standard races) direction.
The Race 'Em or Wreck 'Em event has been held for several years, promoted by
It's a common practice for all auto racing facilities to rent out their track and grounds to outside entities, including race teams wanting a test session, as well as local car clubs.
The events held to renters of those facilities are participating in a non-sanctioned event.
"We have all kinds of groups rent out our facilities," Nowers said. "
"Non-sanctioned just means it's not part of our weekly racing series and not our rules."
So when a renter holds an event at a facility, they are in charge of rules and safety guidelines as well as insurance.
Race 'Em or Wreck 'Em has a page on its website devoted to rules for the classes that will be taking part.
There are sections for general rules and regulations -- such as age requirements and participant behavior -- safety rules and then specific rules pertaining to each individual class. Class rules specify what is required for each car -- whether or not a roll bar is mandatory, engine specifications, etc. At last check by The Gazette, there was no section within the rules specifically for the School Bus/RV class.
Nowers said the renter and facility work in conjunction with each other for events. He said the two sides will work out a deal on what the facility is to provide and renter is responsible for. For example, Nowers said, if the renter wants security to patrol the grandstands, the facility can provide it for an additional fee.
The specific breakdown of who makes what money from an event is part of the negotiations as well. For example, often the facility will collect the rental fee and concession money, while the promoter collects ticket sales, sponsorship sales and driver registration.
All those negotiations occur on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs or requests of the renter.
And obviously, the biggest and first requirement of any group or club renting out the facility for an event is to provide insurance that covers, among many things, liability.
Companies like
A promoter will seek out an insurance company for their event, apply and purchase a policy depending on the underwriter's determination. K&K Marketing Manager
Many of the underwriters have been working in racing -- in all areas -- for decades.
"At K&K we have very specific underwriting applications that have to be filled out, and of course our underwriters ask questions about what goes on at the event," Hatfield said. "Depending on the size of the racetrack or the type of racing involved, there might be different types of questions asked. It's a very individualized process."
The rate or even availability of coverage, then, depends on the facility's quality and what will take place during the event. Risk management is key in determining the coverage.
Racing events cannot be held without it, and the insurance companies take their job very seriously.
"It really depends on the types of activities. It also depends on the types of loss control measures in place," Hatfield said. "Some might have a facility that has more appropriate safety features in place. They might get a better price for the account. There may be some events that are excluded based on lack of certain types of safety procedures. Past records come into play as well."
Hatfield added K&K does not comment specifically on individual events, facilities or promotion companies the group works with.
B&B Promotions also declined to comment for this story.
l Comments: (319) 368-8884; [email protected]
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