The second is another customer car of Rearden Racing. In this case, a street car driven by an instructor ( ! ) enters the track. It is going very slowly and is far off line, suggesting to any approaching cars that they are aware and are allowing the cars at speed to proceed by, as would be correct. Unfortunately the driver, as clearly shown by the posted onboard video as well as the not posted outside footage, never bothers to look in the mirrors and simply moves over to the racing line at about the time it is being overtaken. As you can imagine contact is the result. In this case, following the session the driver approached our team, admitted fault and even offered to pay for damages to the Rearden Racing customer car. There was no damage to speak of. At the end of the day the event organized came by to make sure we were OK with how things had gone.

The gist is that Rearden Racing is a customer based team. It does not control, or stand responsible for the actions of it's drivers. However, we do stand behind them, knowing that anyone who has ever driven more than a lap around a racetrack has as many mistakes as there are corners, to their name.

Without judging fault, it is unfortunate that this is even a topic. From the team perspective there was no communication from officials as to negative actions of our customers. This being a two day event, were there to be any discrepancies, the opportunity was there for the officials to communicate or even sanction drivers. This did not occur, and as such our customers proceeded driving to their own standard as surmised from the driver meetings and expected behavior in an HPDE type event. Certainly everyone involved is smart and capable enough to recognize that there is no upside to passing, being fast ( no timing available of any sort ) or aggressive towards other cars. The downsides are plenty, however.

Rearden Racing has experience with almost every driving group in the nation and we have a good reputation with all. We have great respect for what they do. As a whole they are very careful about participant driving ability and on track behavior—and constantly monitor drivers—with a substantial group of experienced instructors. Most run groups at these events require a point by prior to passing. Given the discrepancy of car speed and experience levels at this event, point by requirements would have been beneficial.

The opportunity was there for any of the other participants to communicate to individual customers or team representatives directly as well. We are very open, approachable and easy to communicate with. This did not occur either. What did occur, however, are attacks on team and individuals that are certain not to have any valuable impact. Instead of speaking driver to driver, those involved decided to post video and inflammatory statements the majority of which are not based on actual facts. Apologies to all those offended by the immature and foul language used in sadly most of these remarks contributed by this community.

A few facts:

When you take a car, race or street, on track you need to be financially prepared to write it off. Most with more than a few days of track driving have added to the story of once great cars. We often remind those wanting to take their nice street cars on track. You can purchase on-track insurance if you choose.

On track contact is a no-fault situation as related to damages. Drivers do not pay for damage to cars other than their own. Be glad of this fact, otherwise those of us with Miatas and Nissans could never be on track, because we would inevitably run into a Ferrari. The waiver one signs when entering a race track addresses this.

Next time you are at the track, stop by and say hello. Don't be scared, it will all work out. And if you are scared of it working out, then definitely stay home.

See you at the races.