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RedDragonV09 · 2008-01-29 00:59:00

Gurov, Heidi and I, after discussing issues with covering up VINs and removing license plates when going to the track, felt that it was necessary to warn the rest of you about whats going on and that a lot of you dont realize that its a real threat and it DOES happen.

I have personal experience. It didnt happen to me, but to a friend that I went to the track with.

In or around May of 2006, a friend of mine and I went to Pacific Raceways to make a few runs down the track. I had my 04 Spec V and he had his brand new 06 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged. He had owned it for about 2 months at that point. So we went to the track and when I got into the paddock, I began removing my license plates and put tape over my VIN thats located on the dashboard. My friend asked me why I was doing this. I told him that Its been known, and that Ive read a few accounts, that vehicle manufacturers and insurance companies, actually send out "spies" to local track events to go around and take incriminating photos so that they can validate voiding your warranty on your brand new vehicle and cancel your insurance policy, and that he should do the same and remove his license plates since his car was practically brand new. He told me that it sounded like one of those urban legends and that he wasnt worried about it. So being the person that I am, said, "Ok, suit yourself, but dont come crying to me if you get that letter in the mail."

And also being the person that I am, I was looking around trying to locate anyone that may be taking pictures of me or my friends car.That was the main thing I looked for, someone taking a picture of my car or his car that had no reason to be taking a picture of it, because the outside of both of our cars are almost completely stock. I have wheels, his is completly stock. Why would someone take pictures of that at a track where there are LOTS of more interesting cars to take pictures of?

So I was looking for someone by themself, or with one other person, that kind of looked a little out of place and that wasnt talking much. I was paying more attention to the people with LARGE lenses on their cameras so they can get that sneaky zoom. I saw a few people with them, but they were with family and had cars there themselves, so they didnt raise much suspicion to me. Unless of course they are being really fucking sneaky and doing it while they take their own vehicles to the track. Who knows really, but Im too lazy to be THAT paranoid. lol

The entire day, I didnt notice anyone that I would imagine to fit the profile of the people to look for. So I really thought that I kept a good eye out and he didnt get caught.

We made our runs, had fun, and went home.

A few weeks went by and my friend calls me all pissed off. He says to me, "Dude, you were right! The fucking dealership sent me a letter telling my that they are voiding my entire drivetrain's fucking warranty! And they got fucking pictures too man! My car is going down the track in this one!" I know that this happens, but honestly I was surprised that it actually happened. I was kind of sickened to hear this news. But no where near as sickened as my friend was. He was so fucking furious.

And to think that was the end of it. 2 days later, he got another letter from his insurance company, which was Geico, the same insurance company I used back then. They canceled his policy. He had to go to another company and get another policy almost immediatly because the next day his bank that financed his car called him and said that they were notified that the car did not currently have insurance and that they needed him to insure it and to have a copy of the policy faxed to them as soon as its insured or they will repossess the car if he doesnt comply in 30 days.

So, as a warning to all of you that go to the drag strip. If you have a warranty and would like to keep it, or if you just have an insurance policy and dont want to be caught on the track, take the 5 minutes to remove them before you go down the track and the 5 minutes to put them back on. And cover your VIN while youre at it.

And just because youve been to the track many times and youve never gotten the letter, doesnt mean it cant happen to you. I found this out on a local Nissan forum in Washington where a guy had went to Pacific Raceways in his new 350Z and they voided his warranty this way. His insurance didnt get canceled, but he warranty was GONE!

You can choose to blow this off if you want, but I dont want to see any post saying this happened to you and youre pissed. Because I will tell you exactly what I told my friend, "Ok, suit yourself, but dont come crying to me if you get that letter in the mail."

Speckev · 2008-01-29 01:03:40

Funny, guess they kinda support street racing in some way.

illestfob · 2008-01-29 01:06:04

good call, guess ill be doing that as well. what about other motor sports like auto-x and stuff?

skinni · 2008-01-29 01:06:15

thanks for the heads up cause i didnt know this was going on

RedDragonV09 · 2008-01-29 01:11:54

I dont know about auto-x, but you never know. Also, right now, it depends on the area you live in. They are heavy on this shit in Washington state. Ive heard of a number of accounts of this type.

dilagable · 2008-01-29 02:25:57

If a dealership did that I would call a lawyer. It would have to specifically say in the warranty that "in any event this particular vehicle is used for purposes strictly under the terms of "racing" this particular vehicles warranty will be null and void" Have him read his warranty paperwork.

I just went through my Warranty Information Booklet and it says under WHAT IS NOT COVERED "Misuse(your OWNER"S MANUAL is your guide to proper use" It does not state anywhere in the Owner's Manual that racing in a closed course environment (ie race track) is misuse of the vehicle. The only thing I found that could even be construed as being close in a really dumb way is the part in the Owners manual on Suggested maximum speed in each gear which is on page 5-12. And how could they drop your insurance for racing on private property not breaking any laws. Eh I don't think this all ads up.

Here is a link to the NASA forum that talks about it a little more: Click me

Sirl · 2008-01-29 04:31:06

I guess it depends on what car you have as well.

The first few years that Suby came out with the WRX, you actually got a free 1 year memebership to the SCCA and they encouraged you to take your car to the track, rally/road course etc.

I wanted to say that I heard about this too and its total bullshit, just rumours. But, if it really happened to your friend, then I guess its not.

lavaspec-v · 2008-01-29 05:08:48

If this is true I don't see how they can void your warranty, you are on private property and on a closed course, just because you might be "beating" on your car a lil bit doesn't mean you are hurting it, people do far worse on any given day on the street.

another thing whats really crazy is as one of the selling points that a car company uses to puff up the car to be sold is to either:

A. give the car a lot of power that can't even be used for daily street driving or,
B. give one of these cars to a road and track type magazine company and let them literally beat the shit out of the car to allow them to measure the "performance" ie: quarter mile runs, slolem course, stopping distance, and whatever else they do to these test vehicles.

if these companys want to start pulling these moves then plan to start reading stories about law suits and other court hearings about them trying to do this.

another thing that doesnt make sense is that your insurance would be cancled because the
only way they can justify cancling your policy is if you get convicted of reckless driving or street racing.

the whole spy bullshit seems really bizarre also but honestly in this day and age you don't know what car manufactures would do to "get out" of fixing a car. I live on the east coast and I have never heard of this as of yet (till I read this post)

I guess I just find it all really crazy but I can see how even the smallest mod to your gives them the right to say nope we're not fixing your car because you installed this aftermarket part and we THINK that is to blame and then your SOL, unless its a major repair and you know that you can win you can fire back the "moss warranty act".

I'm not saying this isn't true because like I said before it doesn't surprise me that companies would go this far. I will definatly be covering the vin plate on my car with a lil piece of painters tape when I go, but I don't know how I can pull off the tag removal because one sure thing is the tracks rules are set in stone and they will not allow a vehicle to run on the track that drives in to the track and is not tagged and insured, I guess I could try to keep the tags under the seat while I run butthe track even takes your tag number down when you pay at the entrance gate and sign the waiver, atleast they did 2 years ago when I took my old car to run up there.

Spoooolin · 2008-01-29 05:39:06

When i worked at mazda.

Anytime we did work on the rx-8's or Mazda speeds, we had to take pics of the engine bay, intake bolts yada yada yada, THEN send them to Mazda, then THEY Would OK us for the warrenty work.

And out Service manager, would take pics of cars out at the track, and Flag them.

Now, me being a tech, and also a car enthusiest, If you have a turbo on your car, and your clutch is wasted, i am not gonna cover that...I will try to get you all i can, under the mass mogey act, BUT, there is a limit....

LEGACYGTBIGGIE · 2008-01-29 05:56:30

Lava. I have heard of people with similar issues here in MD actually. at MIR and capital. I never covered my VIN. But did cover my plates. and in the future after this. Will start removing the plates and covering the VIN.

That is all

636SpecMan · 2008-01-29 06:24:35

you guys need to try the midwest.

serious · 2008-01-29 06:29:02

good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.

Fadet0blak · 2008-01-29 09:32:11

Well next time I autox the plate is coming off, and the VIN is getting covered. The only place I know where the VIN is visible from the outside is on the dash. Is there somewhere else that needs covered?

Thanks for the heads up.

Honestly I'm not surprised about the insurance companies, but Nissan voiding warranties just because of some track time WTF. That really makes me lose respect for them as a company.

gurov · 2008-01-29 09:39:57

frontpaged, this practice is fucking bullshit.

Spoooolin · 2008-01-29 09:46:58

serious wrote:
good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.

Uh?

purpose built race cars, dont have plates?

gurov · 2008-01-29 09:47:44

reddragon: please edit your first post with the location of >ALL< the vin numbers and where they can be found so they can be covered up. i believe this deserves very serious attention.

gurov · 2008-01-29 09:48:22

kc03spec-v wrote:
serious wrote:
good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.
Uh?

purpose built race cars, dont have plates?

"car's trailored, has no plates, fuck off"

Spoooolin · 2008-01-29 09:49:22

gurov wrote:
kc03spec-v wrote:
serious wrote:
good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.
Uh?

purpose built race cars, dont have plates?
"car's trailored, has no plates, fuck off"

Lawl

Suicidalspd06 · 2008-01-29 10:19:21

kc03spec-v wrote:
serious wrote:
good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.
Uh?

purpose built race cars, dont have plates?

It depends. I raced NMCA Tru-Street. I required that you have legal sate reg, insurance card and do a 30 mile drive before hitting the track. Not to mention, you are not allowed to pop hoods between drive and first run.

I have heard of this so many times, but never new of it happening to anyone.

So tell me. How does Car and Driver and others beat the shit out of these cars, do track tests of all kinds and still do reviews of warranty work along the way.

There has to be something prohibiting them for taking your warranty away. I can beat on my car just as hard on the street.

Last edited by Suicidalspd06 (2008-01-29 10:19:50)

gurov · 2008-01-29 10:26:20

Suicidalspd06 wrote:
kc03spec-v wrote:
serious wrote:
good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.
Uh?

purpose built race cars, dont have plates?
It depends. I raced NMCA Tru-Street. I required that you have legal sate reg, insurance card and do a 30 mile drive before hitting the track. Not to mention, you are not allowed to pop hoods between drive and first run.

I have heard of this so many times, but never new of it happening to anyone.

So tell me. How does Car and Driver and others beat the shit out of these cars, do track tests of all kinds and still do reviews of warranty work along the way.

There has to be something prohibiting them for taking your warranty away. I can beat on my car just as hard on the street.

my guess would be that car and driver might be smart, and check who they invite to spectate their tests. if the agent didn't see the VIN/plate number, there's nothing they can do. which is why this is a very SIMPLE thing to do. cover your plate/vin when you go to the track.

Spoooolin · 2008-01-29 10:35:15

Suicidalspd06 wrote:
kc03spec-v wrote:
serious wrote:
good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.
Uh?

purpose built race cars, dont have plates?
It depends. I raced NMCA Tru-Street. I required that you have legal sate reg, insurance card and do a 30 mile drive before hitting the track. Not to mention, you are not allowed to pop hoods between drive and first run.

I have heard of this so many times, but never new of it happening to anyone.

So tell me. How does Car and Driver and others beat the shit out of these cars, do track tests of all kinds and still do reviews of warranty work along the way.

There has to be something prohibiting them for taking your warranty away. I can beat on my car just as hard on the street.

I am not sure what you are trying to tell me here, so ill try this.

Tru-street. I am assuming is some bullshit class, That is for street cars, kinda like the old sports man classes, hence the name, tru street. So yea, to race in there, you will need a license plate, and whatever else they want from you.

Spoooolin · 2008-01-29 10:35:51

Suicidalspd06 wrote:
kc03spec-v wrote:
serious wrote:
good to know, I think the track down here in Va won't let you run without plates though, I have to double check.
Uh?

purpose built race cars, dont have plates?
It depends. I raced NMCA Tru-Street. I required that you have legal sate reg, insurance card and do a 30 mile drive before hitting the track. Not to mention, you are not allowed to pop hoods between drive and first run.

I have heard of this so many times, but never new of it happening to anyone.

So tell me. How does Car and Driver and others beat the shit out of these cars, do track tests of all kinds and still do reviews of warranty work along the way.

There has to be something prohibiting them for taking your warranty away. I can beat on my car just as hard on the street.

They also, rent out tracks.

Rent out as in, They are allowed in, others are not.

Suicidalspd06 · 2008-01-29 10:40:49

But dealers and car companies know what they are doing with the car. So why not void there warranty?

Spoooolin · 2008-01-29 10:41:49

Suicidalspd06 wrote:
But dealers and car companies know what they are doing with the car. So why not void there warranty?

uh....

So b.c. they know car and driver are gonna test 1 spec-v out of 5789028349 made, they sghould void all warrentys on all spec-vs just to be safe..right?

Suicidalspd06 · 2008-01-29 10:48:37

kc03spec-v wrote:
Suicidalspd06 wrote:
But dealers and car companies know what they are doing with the car. So why not void their warranty?
uh....

So b.c. they know car and driver are gonna test 1 spec-v out of 5789028349 made, they sghould void all warrentys on all spec-vs just to be safe..right?

Wow, you don't follow me. I am making a point. If you read Car and Driver they show what warranty work they had done while they test the car. I think you know what tests they perform. Now what makes them different from us? Yeah it is only one car. But car companies should not single out people because they go to the track. Maybe I should start taking pictures of street races and turning them into dealers and insurance companies. Hey they are doing the same thing. No?

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serious wrote:

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kc03spec-v wrote:

serious wrote:

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gurov wrote:

kc03spec-v wrote:

serious wrote:

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kc03spec-v wrote:

serious wrote:

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Suicidalspd06 wrote:

kc03spec-v wrote:

serious wrote:

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Suicidalspd06 wrote:

kc03spec-v wrote:

serious wrote:

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Suicidalspd06 wrote:

kc03spec-v wrote:

serious wrote:

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Suicidalspd06 wrote:

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kc03spec-v wrote:

Suicidalspd06 wrote:

WARNING To Warranty and Insurance Policy Holders Going to the Track!

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