This kind of event is not considered "racing," it is in the category of "High Performance Driver Education" (HPDE). However, your car insurance policy probably has a specific exclusion for any event held at a "race track or racing facility," which Laguna Seca definitely is. Some drivers who participate in these events choose to buy special insurance for them. Many don't (including myself). With reasonable care and attention, the chance of car-to-car contact is neglible in HPDE. There is still the chance of pushing too hard and losing control of the car and contacting the wall, or some other fixed object around the track, though. If you do not push too hard on the track and stay within your limits, that won't happen either. I have had no incidents of car damage in 15 years of participating in HPDE events, except for self-induced engine trauma in an ICE car (missed shift bending valves). If you decide you must have coverage for the event, there are companies that will sell you a single-event policy or coverage for a season of driving events. Search on "HPDE insurance" or go to http://locktonmotorsports.com/product/track-insurance/.GeekEV said:
I just realized your taking the Tesla not the LEAF. Now I understand your concerns. Tesla S has plenty of speed and power to get into trouble, leaving a much bigger bill to deal with.GeekEV said:Thanks KeiJidosha, that makes me feel better.
I did read some of their site, but not all of it yet... So it sounds like the odds of a collision are pretty much non-existant?
I don't have the performance model, though it still has plenty of power. I wasn't so much worried about myself (though perhaps I should be) as congestion or accidents on the track. But from the way you guys describe the event, it doesn't sound like much of an issue. I just have to remember not to be an idiot. I'd be going to have fun and to push the car a bit more than I can do on the street, but I don't plan on taking it to the limits. I don't think I'm a skilled enough driver for that yet.
GeekEV said:Yup, I'd have to take the Tesla.
Speed Ventures hasn't confirmed my registration yet, how long does that typically take? Any tips on calming down the wife? She's freaking out...
I figure, if nothing else, maybe I'll come and hang out and have some fun. If I'm feeling chicken I won't actually race.
That's one of those things that, until it happens to you, sounds like it's easy to chalk up to the driver being an idiot (no offense, whoever you are). It's clearly driver error and you should ALWAYS be ready to hit the brake at a moments notice. Sounds like he/she was going to fast for their skill level, etc...Boomer23 said:
You can always shotgun with me! Do you have a second helmet available?JeremyW said:I've heard that Tesla will in fact have a supercharger (or superchargers) there.
Unfortunatly I have decided that since the Leaf is my only means of transportation that it is too risky to tow up and bring to the races. My job is pretty critical and I need reliable transportation. Next year...
I will still be there, I'm just going to rent a prius or some such and enjoy from the sidelines. I will bring a helmet though, just in case I get an offer for a shotgun seat!
