This case involves an accident that occurred at a racetrack during an amateur event. At the time of the incident in question, the defendant was participating in a public track day with his own car. This was the first time that the man had been involved in any sort of racing or track driving, yet he was allowed to participate in the event freely. During his second race, the man lost control of his vehicle and skidded into one of the track’s main administrative buildings, causing extensive damage that resulted in the track’s closure for an extended period of time. It was alleged that the conditions at the track were unsafe and, despite the track’s contention that the man was responsible for the cost of the damages, were directly responsible for the accident.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Please briefly describe your experience as it relates to operation / supervision of racing schools.
Expert Witness Response E-043869
I have been a race car instructor since the mid 1980s, and I have owned two racing schools. Proper instruction and facility maintenance is of crucial importance when putting students behind the wheel. Typically, there will be procedures in place that ensure that drivers involved in amateur events and track days have had the proper training and instruction to be able to handle the high-speed driving involved, especially if there is a racing component involved. The fact that this driver was allowed on the track with evidently minimal oversight is definitely not industry standard.
Expert Bio
This expert has been teaching and coaching performance driving and racing for more than 25 years, and moving on to own two separate driving/racing schools. He has won numerous track records and several championships. He has a diverse background as a college professor, track owner and manager, racing school proprietor, team owner and professional driver.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
