Well, I had hoped to stay out of this discussion. And as I begin typing here I still think it might be a wise idea. But there are two cents just dying to jump out of my pocket and onto this page.
APBA versus NAMBA. I trust the Brandts, who are researching this information for R/CU with an open mind. I will be interested in what they tell us. But as the primary contact person between our APBA incsurance carrier and an injured spectator, I may have had a unique perspective about insurance and racing. I would like to share that with you all.
R/CU, like any model club, prides itself on operating safe races. But accidents happen and one happened to us this past season. The costs for putting a person in the hospital for five days and three surgeries must be prettty huge. I don’t know because our insurance carrier has been handling it for us. This regrettable situation has not been a problem for R/CU, primarily because we were operating safely and our carrier stepped in to handle things for us.
You get a slightly different perspective on things when it all hits the fan. And the only reason that I am chiming in here and now is because I have had this experience recently. For that reason, I am quite reticent to ‘fire’ our old carrier even before the bills on our claim have been paid. It is a bit like thankiing the Fire Chief for saving your house after a stovetop fire, but then telling him that you are looking into fire response protection from the next town even before the smoke clears. Kinda weird.
It is great to discuss the pragmatic reasons for staying or leaving APBA. And they are good arguments, all. But remember this- if you are R/CU, you could be asking to change horses in mid-stream. Is that a good idea? APBA has been good to us- far beyond just the insurance coverage which we have used. I understand the desire to save $45 in membership dues, but for me this is not enough to toss a good friend to the side. Please consider all aspects of this decision carefully as you go forward. It is important!
Shoot- let’s go racin’!
Marc
Marc,
100% agree with your comments about the Brandts, their research efforts, and ability to present accurate information to the R/C U board & members.
It appears to me that you have brought up a very good point regarding timing... Unfortunately, R/C U did have an accident last year. This thread was not started because R/C U is unhappy with our insurance carrier. Quite to the contrary, you being point-man, and commenting above, has helped all of us understand better what it really means to be supported. Based on your comments, I can understand that you feel it would be a bad time to move... I have not talked with you enough to know if you see all the reasons that it could be beneficial for the club to move. However, I am pretty sure it's not the $45. What percentage is $45 in your racing budget for the year?
You've known my father and I for some time now. You know where I stand on loyalty and taking care of those that take care of us. Your note does cause some conflict for me. Message heard, Thanks Marc.
This thread and topic was started because I think 1/8 Scale Racing in the Northwest could be bigger (more members), stronger (more friendships), more competitive (
), and just plain more fun for everyone that wants to be involved. I wanted to get some input from 'others' out there in our region. It was not started because I think we should leave APBA because we deserve better... I know you didn't think that, but you see what I'm trying to say? I never even thought about the accident when I started thinking about how we can make 1/8 Scale Racing in the North-West stronger.
Thank you APBA, Thank you APBA for all your support. I do genuinely mean that Marc. I can tell you that I will be a card carrying member for both APBA, and NAMBA this coming year, no mater what the R/C U board decides.
DJ
P.S. - Look out Marc, there is going to be another Carbon-Knife in town next year... just ask Gary!!
