DE arrive and drive at RA?

#1

I had an idea that could help me get to the RA event: rent my street car (1987 325is with H&R sport suspension) to a newbie who wants to check out what this track thing is all about via HPDE 1 (or a not so newbie for DE2). I’d have the car there and ready to go with one tank of gas to get them started. If ya’ll know of anyone that would be interested let me know. I’d probably rent the car out with a full tank of gas to start the weekend for $500. What do ya’ll think? Is this a stupid idea? I am not too worried about the car getting messed up because either I could instruct them or I could speak with their instructor and ask them to make sure they don’t ride the clutch, etc.

Tom

#2

Seems like a pretty big risk to take, considering insurance wouldn’t cover the loss if something were to happen. Perhaps have the student sign something to the effect of “if you wreck it, you bought it”?

#3

Tom,

The bigger risk is the liability on your part if someone was to get hurt.

If the renter was to get hurt in an accident, a lawyer most likely will raise a question of what condition the car was in.

That’s a big risk to take for $500.

#4

I understand the risks involved, but also feel like the odds are in favor of the person having a great time, not getting hurt, the car doing great, and all going really well - but I am an optimist. I also plan to have a pretty solid waiver for them to sign as well as a “come to Jesus” discussion" before they get behind the wheel. The car is very solid, and we know how tough they are to hurt. I am thinking the reward is worth the risk because I really want to go to the Road Atlanta event and this is the only way I can afford to do so.
The key is to find someone who is both excited about doing possibly (hopefully) their first DE while at the same time being aware of how careful they need to be with the equipment and their safety.
Thanks for the input.

#5

at the track we all sign a waiver that basically says everybody gives up the right to sue anybody else - I’m not a lawyer so I don’t know if that extends to the relationship between a renter and rentee, but you could try to write that into the rental agreement (which you would absolutely need).
bruce

#6

Tom, As much as I would like to see you there, I have to agree that this isn’t a good idea. There is a lot of concrete at Road Atlanta and I’m here to tell you that it isn’t very forgiving.

#7

the tire walls can be tough as well (or so I hear)… can I get an amen?

#8

AMEN!

There are just so many ways you could raise the money other that tearing up a car. I’m not trying to put ideas in your head, but I heard Travis is gay. :wink:

#9

Gasman wrote:

[quote]AMEN!

There are just so many ways you could raise the money other that tearing up a car. I’m not trying to put ideas in your head, but I heard Travis is gay. ;)[/quote]
:unsure: is he the guy in the pink car?

I would rent your car while I build mine but I think thats a far away track from where I live and I might move farther,

#10

I like the idea. The various concerns are fixable. It helps pay for the hobby and gets someone to a DE who might otherwise not. One market is the folks that don’t own a sedan. They sit outside the track fence in their SUV and envy us.

Of course, to know us is to envy us.

#11

Gasman wrote:

[quote]AMEN!

There are just so many ways you could raise the money other that tearing up a car. I’m not trying to put ideas in your head, but I heard Travis is gay. ;)[/quote]

Nah, but I if were, I would be gay on you Gasman…you are a SugarDaddy. Is that why JP slept with his back against the tent? :laugh:

#12

You guys are worring me.
I don’t know, I want to go to RA so bad that if I can find a renter that is doing DE 1 or 2 (with instructor only!) then I will rent the car. I’d probably tell Robert that I want to instruct the fool (I mean student) for at least the first session so that I can make sure they are not really a fool.
I will certainly have a contract that says if the renter wrecks the car then they will pay for repairs, and I’d require a deposit. Think about when you were doing DE 1 and 2, you were not pushing the car anywhere near its limits, and if you had a good instructor they kept you reigned in anyway. I think the biggest risk is mine - making sure the car gets through the weekend without leaving the renter without a car to go on track. But perhaps I am the fool(?) If I find a renter we will see because I’ll do it.

#13

And I don’t want someone who is experienced and going to go out and push the car towards its limits. I want a newbie who is scared shitless and going to top out at 90mph or so. And an instructor in the car, me or someone else, is vital. You are probably beyond that.