Confusion Over Winternationals Insurance Clarified
INEX Picks Up Insurance; All Drivers Allowed To Race
By Jason Buckley
A few years ago NASCAR made changes to their policies across the country at NASCAR-sanctioned facilities that put a driver’s age at the center of controversy. Many younger drivers found themselves without a place to race as insurance companies would no longer insure the younger drivers. NASCAR required drivers to be 16 years old if they wanted to compete in the Weekly Racing Series, and 18 years old if they wanted to compete in a Touring Series event.
At the end of 2007, the Florida Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (FASCAR) made changes to their 2008 rules on age limits and insurance that put the fourth annual Winternationals Legends and Bandolero events in February in jeopardy for young drivers. However LegendsNation.com confirmed today with INEX and 600 Racing that age and insurance will not be an issue and the Winternationals will take place as planned at Orlando Speedworld (FL).
“For the Winternationals, it looks like we are going to be doing the insurance for that event,” said Darrel Krentz, Executive Director at INEX. “So, consequently there won’t be any extraordinary insurance regulations. It will be the same as if you ran the Winter Heat up here at Lowe’s (Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina).”
Orlando Speedworld is requiring Legends and Bandolero drivers to have their extra insurance policies in place by January 1st to be able to run the Winter Series race on January 5th, but that is not the case for the Winternationals.
“It is going to be completely covered through our insurance,” said Krentz. “When I say our insurance, we are insuring the event through our insurance carrier. It is independent of the INEX membership insurance. It is two different animals.
“That will be for February 11th through the 16th with the 11th being a practice day.”
While the ink hasn’t been pressed to the paper to firm up the insurance situation, Krentz feels confident all Legends and Bandolero racers will be welcome, regardless of age for the Nationals.
Bandolero racers will be able to race due to INEX stepping up and covering the insurance needed for the younger drivers.
“I am finalizing that today, so I suppose in all actuality there is a small sliver of a chance that it could still fall through, although we have already quoted the price to them and they said yes the absolutely want to do it for the Winternationals. All I need from them is what the exact wording is on the insurance certificate and it is a done deal. There is a sliver of a chance that something could go awry, but I do not anticipate that in any way, shape or form.”
Ken Ragan, General Manager at 600 Racing, also confirmed the event as being solidly on the schedule in February.
“Everything is going as planned,” said Ragan. “There will be no insurance issues and no extra cost to the competitors.”
Click here for the Winternationals entry form.
Orlando Speedworld puts on great shows for the Legends and Bandolero racers.
