A silly question...perhaps

[rpgk]

Hello all,
I have what on the face of it may seem a silly question...

My assumption is that when racing at club level, regardless of fault, you are individually responsible for the damage to your own car. I.E. I am happily pootling along only for someone to lose control behind and take me out - they have no obligation to 'fix' my car and similarly if the opposite was to happen I would have no obligation to them. I guess I am wondering are there any 'rules' about this or any racing etiquette?

Many thanks in advance for any answers to what may well be a silly question...

[Al Weyman]

Unfortunately there is nothing obliging anyone to pay for the damage, some people may stick a few quid in as I have done in the past if they feel guilty about it but most racing drivers can never accept they have done anything wrong, just listen to the excuses in BTCC and F1! Its a rare day anyne holds their hand up. Having said that a good club or championship organiser or Clerk of the Course should come down big time on any offenders driving recklessly and exclude them from the meeting, fine them, endorse their licence, or can be excluded from the whole championship/series.

[MMC Andy]

As Al says, no Third Party Liability applys on the race track at all. I personally believe that this should change & if a driver is found guilty by the CoC of dangerous driving and handed points, he/she should also be liabile for the repair costs. I'm in the minority here, and it will never happen - but as an Insurance person, I can dream!

When I'm discussing insurance with drivers / teams each year, everyone always puts their case forward as being the best / safest driver on track - but I point out that the decision really does come down to can you take the risk that the other 30 drivers on track are also the best / safest around.

[rpgk]

Thank you for the input guys - I think that is what I expected, although had wondered if there may be some 'etiquette' at club level - as Mr. Weyman has explained, i guess that is simply down to the individual.

Many thanks

[STUBBY44]

I agree with Al and Andy. Iv been badly pranged twice in the last few years (both times after the start at Snetterton) by what could be classed as wreckless / dangerous driving. On both occasions I had to foot the entire bill for my car and after both incedents never even had an appology.... Apart from the guy that caused the one last year whinging at the next race that his car cost him a grand to mend!
I suppose if costs were involved the dangerous minority might think again before trying to win the race at the first corner!