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STIDA Goes Global
By Kevin Eckert
Brownsburg, Indiana: Short Track Independent Drivers &
Associates is now a global entity. If you are an American racing in Australia,
you’re covered. If you’re from New Zealand
and racing in America,
you’re covered. Unlike on the street, driver insurance is not yet mandatory.
It’s just smart.
"It's only
$425 a year and it provides $250,000 in coverage," noted Tracy Hines, a
winner in Auckland, New Zealand in 2004. On his native Indiana soil, Tracy
races sprints, midgets and champ cars under the United States Auto Club, but
fills his calendar with POWRi midgets or MSCS sprints.
Guys and girls
racing outside of USAC are precisely the ones who the late Larry Rice wanted to
help when he created STIDA. As champion of midgets and champ cars, Rice
recognized the difference between the best coverage in short track racing
(USAC) and no medical coverage as mere miles. Larry and his son Robbie raced
among the uninsured on Fridays at Bloomington
or Saturdays at Putnamville, prompting Larry to craft STIDA as underwritten by
Nationwide through K&K Insurance, for which Larry labored 19 years. Robbie
steers STIDA today.
Auto racing is a
brutal business. Racers are bred to dismiss its consequences, as if the very
thought of injury might make their foot lighter on the throttle. But racing
does not discriminate. Crashes can strike the driver in first-place or last.
One flip can bankrupt a family, financially and spiritually.
STIDA members receive $10,000 in accidental
death and dismemberment coverage. STIDA members receive $250,000 in excess
medical coverage with a $15,000 deductible, which the speedway is required to
have. STIDA members receive discounts on Safety Solutions (20%), Simpson (20%),
Hinchman firesuits (10%) or ButlerBuilt seats (5%). STIDA members receive
bulletins on safety concerns and improvements. STIDA members are protected only
in races with roll over protection (cage) and proper seat belts. STIDA members
can be any age. STIDA membership runs from February 1 to February 1, costs $425
and can now be secured on PayPal. Phone toll-free at (800) 378.4608 or visit www.stida.com.
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