COVID-19 - National Motorsports Safety Association

It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced veteran instructor, or an entry-level novice driver: you might be asking: is it OK for two people to occupy a vehicle? … The better question is: Do YOU think it’s OK? For years, driving organizations have been asking drivers if they voluntarily accept the risk associated with making laps at a race track. Obviously, the answer has been “YES!”

With the introduction of the COVID-19 Pandemic, drivers and instructors are no longer preoccupied with “is it too risky to make laps?” Now, the question on everyone’s mind is “am I going to be exposed to COVID?” No driving organization can guarantee your health and safety. It a responsibility that every participant to do their own due diligence, and acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with Motorsport.

Many instructors have already voiced their support and intention to continue to instruct using appropriate PPE and others may simply opt-out and participate as a solo driver on their own. Organizations will continue to instructors and drivers to make those choices, and in somes case may develop new teaching techniques, using Lead-Follow or Technology assisted sessions. In some cases, expect that organizers will keep novice enrollment reduced to stay in balance.

Social Distancing

If your organization is going to proceed with in-car coaching, here are some social-distancing focused safety items to consider:

All drivers and instructors must self-certify that they have no known COVID symptoms, fever, or cough.
All drivers and instructors must wear face coverings at all times when in the presence of the other, including when wearing a helmet. Some organizations may provide masks to novices and instructors who do not have their own. All other participants MUST provide their own mask.
All drivers and instructors must wash hands frequently: before getting in the vehicle, and after exiting the vehicle.
The driver should sanitize the cockpit interior. Special attention to contact surfaces: center console, dashboard, door panel armrest
The instructor should not make personal contact with their student or other drivers, touching arms or touching the wheel.
The instructor must be diligent about monitoring intercom headset usage. No sharing of headsets.
The post-session de-brief must occur outside the car with social distancing.
NO HANDSHAKING.

Remember, the final choice for what is safe and suitable is solely that of the driver and instructor. Driving Organizations, track owner/operator, or government mandates, cannot guarantee your health and safety. It’s up to you.