[WolfpackS2k]

Originally Posted by Dave-ROR

For a DE in anything besides advanced and instructor run groups there will be strict passing rules. The car being passed will give a point by, the passing car can NOT pass until that is received.

DE's are safe generally from car to car contact. I've seen it a couple of times resulting from people not giving others space and the leading car screwing up, spinning, etc, but that's over a 12 year period.. I've seen far more single car incidents.

DE's are generally very safe, but if you are worried and it's offered for the event you want to run, buy HPDE insurance. If the car's wrecked, you get up to the written value of the policy to repair/replace with zero impact on your personal vehicle insurance.

For a novice you'll have an instructor in the car anyways to help you out with learning how to drive on track, it's VERY rare to see newer guys wreck (if so it's often vehicle prep, crap brake fluid, oem pads, etc), it's the guys with lots of experience that are pushing 10/10ths all the time that usually do...

Totally agreed. Just because you see multiple cars on the track at once and passing does not mean it's "wheel to wheel" racing. In fact it's not racing at all, as there is no official timing. Because of this last point sometimes your regular insurance policy covers you. I've called up my insurance company (Travelers) and explained to them what I was doing. I stressed the point that this was not racing and there was no timing and no winners/losers. They said I was covered under my regular insurance policy. And that's fine by me, as I'm more likely to be involved in an accident out on public roads. As a matter of fact last weekend when I was driving home after a track event I was almost run off the interstate by some dumb women that started moving into my lane without a turn signal (when I was next to her). I saw it coming though, so my horn put her back in line.

On the other hand AutoXing is not covered by insurance policies as you are "racing". Autoxing might not involve the high speeds of conventional tracks but the movements you require of your car are definitely more violent than what you would encounter at your typical road course.