Car clubs face rising costs at Ahvenisto racetrack in Finland

Driving on the Ahvenisto racetrack has become a significant financial risk for car clubs, potentially resulting in bills amounting to several thousand euros. Consequently, some auto enthusiasts are considering leaving the track. Under current regulations, operating a vehicle on a closed racetrack requires valid traffic insurance, which previously covered damages. However, the new track operator, Sami Liljedahl, has begun billing damaged track structures directly to the renting entity, typically a car club.

Ahvenisto has been a speedway since 1967 and remains a unique and beloved venue among car enthusiasts. Sami Liljedahl stated that they send the bill to the driver instead of the insurance companies due to uncertainty over the drivers’ coverage levels. If the insurance only covers part of the damage, the remaining amount falls to the car enthusiast.

Insurance experts claim that this billing practice contradicts the essence of traffic insurance law. Legal professionals argue that track-specific agreements cannot override existing laws. The financial burden has increased significantly; damages that once amounted to a few hundred euros can now reach as high as €7,000, often billed to the club rather than the individual responsible for the accident.

Car enthusiasts like Marko Heinonen from the Miata Club of Finland express concern, noting that other racetracks do not impose similar charges due to their more extensive safety measures. Some groups are now opting out of events at Ahvenisto due to these risks, disrupting a tradition of summer racing that spanned 17 years.

Liljedahl emphasizes safety, indicating that damaged barriers must be appropriately replaced to withstand future incidents, while also addressing the financial concerns raised by the mechanics of current billing practices.