I read an account, on Facebook siting TMZ as the source (yes there are 3 problem there, first it’s on Facebook, second it’s TMZ and third it’s TMZ), that the guy driving Kevin Hart’s Cuda is suing Kevin and in turn Kevin is suing SpeedKore for not having enough/proper safety equipment. Specifically, that the car didn’t have airbags or safety harnesses.
The post goes on to lament the concern that this case may lead California to require that all classic cars be outfitted with current safety equipment. Should that be the case then classic car collecting and driving would become affordable to just about everyone. Unfortunately, that might not be that much of a stretch.
This brought several thoughts to mind that I’ll share.
I’ve raced my cars, my 1970 Mustang appeared in several charity drag races. Both of my Corvettes were auto crossed informally (car club sponsored and in SCCA events. ) One of the keys is understanding the ability and power of the car and your driving ability!!!
At one event a fellow car club member had just purchased a C6 Z06 Corvette with 600 plus hp. He was a newbie when it came to Corvettes and horse power. In his first auto cross he lost control of his Corvette and drove through a fence at a well known race course/school here in Arizona. He had no idea the power of the car and turned off the traction control, something newbies should never do.
Now, I don’t know the driving experience of the guy driving Kevin’s Cuda, nor do I know what driving skills Kevin Hart has for such a powerful car, but I guessing very little for both. At least not enough to request a proper harness be installed. Of course, if you have the money, you can spend it on anything your “heart” desires, but should you? Should you by a powerful device without the proper skill set to operate it? I’ve owned and fired weapons before, I guess purchasing an armored personnel carrier with a .50 caliber M2 machine gun and a 40 mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher should be fine. I can drive a truck and have fired M16s….ya…I’m good.
Point is you must understand the car’s capabilities as well your skill level and respect it’s power and what that can do.
My second thought is related to regulations restricting the equipment and driving for classic cars. There is a continued eroding of protections for the hobby and the industry. With knuckleheads like Kevin and his friends we could be doomed.
There are small organizations out there lobbying to protect/preserve the rights to own, collected and drive this cars. But I fear that they are too small and under funded to mount a long term fight.
Kevin, you are very funny guy and I enjoy your shows, but this is not funny.
Thanks for reading.
Tim
