What's Up With The Min Age For Nhra????

Pat Joffrion · 11-16-2007, 11:07 AM

One word says it all ... LIABILITY

Lawyers are finding ways to collect money from track operators (and their inurers) for MINORS that are injured at drag racing venues. While there is a minor release form for BOTH parents to sign, juries continue to award damages.

In a particular case 10 years ago involving a motocross accident, the track was found "liable" for allowing a 12-year old to compete with 13-year old riders. Even though both parents signed a waiver form, the jury awarded the family millions in damages, which permantly closed the facility.

In order to promote safe off-road racing in Louisiana, the state legislature passed what is commonly known as "The Rodeo Law". Simply stated, if you get on the bull and he throws you off, breaking your leg, by law, you cannot sue the owner of the bull, the event promoter, or the landowner on whose dirt you landed upon. The Rodeo Law was expanded several years ago to include all types of "off-road" activities, including drag racing.

While we have not seen a decrease in our racing insurance premiums, we have had several lawsuits dismissed before trial due to the law. This law does not pertain to spectators, unless they enter a "restricted" area. In actuallity, there is no need to sign a waiver form in Louisiana, but our insurer and NHRA still require it.

Can you believe, Louisiana got something right? BTW, if anyone would like a copy of the law, it can be found at

http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=181348

I honestly believe that if this type of legislation was passed in all 50 states, there would not be an 18-year minimum age, and this topic would not be an issue.

Pat 4308 SS/KA

Looking for 8 seconds on the bull... and on the drag strip.
Do bull riders need to change their grab strap every 2 years?
An F-16 fighter jet seat belt is good for 10 years.
Ever wonder why we have to change ours every two years in a racecar?
Help save the racers a few bucks... Go to 4 years on the belts.

11-16-2007, 11:07 AM	#5
Pat Joffrion Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bayou Country, Louisiana Posts: 163 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: What's Up With The Min Age For Nhra???? One word says it all ... LIABILITY Lawyers are finding ways to collect money from track operators (and their inurers) for MINORS that are injured at drag racing venues. While there is a minor release form for BOTH parents to sign, juries continue to award damages. In a particular case 10 years ago involving a motocross accident, the track was found "liable" for allowing a 12-year old to compete with 13-year old riders. Even though both parents signed a waiver form, the jury awarded the family millions in damages, which permantly closed the facility. In order to promote safe off-road racing in Louisiana, the state legislature passed what is commonly known as "The Rodeo Law". Simply stated, if you get on the bull and he throws you off, breaking your leg, by law, you cannot sue the owner of the bull, the event promoter, or the landowner on whose dirt you landed upon. The Rodeo Law was expanded several years ago to include all types of "off-road" activities, including drag racing. While we have not seen a decrease in our racing insurance premiums, we have had several lawsuits dismissed before trial due to the law. This law does not pertain to spectators, unless they enter a "restricted" area. In actuallity, there is no need to sign a waiver form in Louisiana, but our insurer and NHRA still require it. Can you believe, Louisiana got something right? BTW, if anyone would like a copy of the law, it can be found at http://www.legis.state.la.us/lss/lss.asp?doc=181348 I honestly believe that if this type of legislation was passed in all 50 states, there would not be an 18-year minimum age, and this topic would not be an issue. Pat 4308 SS/KA Looking for 8 seconds on the bull... and on the drag strip. Do bull riders need to change their grab strap every 2 years? An F-16 fighter jet seat belt is good for 10 years. Ever wonder why we have to change ours every two years in a racecar? Help save the racers a few bucks... Go to 4 years on the belts.