Generally, Dave is right. If you're not careful who you rent to and how you rent to them, you stand to lose out. But it doesn't have to be that way. The contract I have put together takes some steps to cover the issue of making sure the renter can cover the loss by better addressing issues of deposits and earnest money.

Remember: In the absolute *worst* case scenario, where the damage exceeds the deposit and the renter tries to stiff the owner, (forcing the car owner to sue to recover the difference) a good contract can lead to a shorter action with a better result than having a lousy contract, or worse, none at all. Renting a race car should not be undertaken casually. No matter how you think of it, its a business transactiion. It should be treated like any other investment. Dave is right: If you can't afford to lose it or be without it for some time, don't let anyone else behind the wheel.

Steve

[This message has been edited by Steve Ostrovitz (edited March 05, 2004).]