Highlights

NASCAR drivers on own to plan for future

(AP)
Updated: 2007-02-07 09:16

Although Jeff Gordon and Stewart speak openly about the possibility of a pension fund, most drivers remain silent on what is seen as a sensitive issue within NASCAR. The Associated Press distributed 45 anonymous surveys during preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway in an attempt to determine drivers' insurance coverage. Only seven were returned.

This much is clear: Many top drivers carry disability insurance policies costing $100,000 per year or more. Such policies are arranged through high-end firms such as Lloyd's of London and will pay a driver's salary for a year or more after a serious injury. If the injury ends a career, the driver would receive a multimillion-dollar payout.

Health insurance isn't as costly as disability. NASCAR carries $1.05 million in medical insurance for competitors, but drivers consider it a "last to pay" policy and don't count on it.

Still, some drivers skimp on insurance — at their peril. Jerry Nadeau was able to pay his medical bills after sustaining serious head injuries in a 2003 crash, but he didn't have enough disability insurance to keep his house. He has no steady income today.

Players in the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB all have strong unions that negotiated pension plans as part of their collective bargaining agreement with the leagues.

Athletes in other sports don't depend entirely on pensions to take care of them in the event of a career-ending injury. And others' pension plans aren't perfect — a small group of retired NFL players have criticized the NFL's plan for providing only a few hundred dollars a month to old-timers who have crippling health problems.

But at least they get something.

NASCAR drivers have no union. In 1969, the top drivers, including Richard Petty, led a movement to unionize drivers, but it fell apart when NASCAR founder Bill France brought in replacement drivers.

"My concern is that if that communication doesn't get better and doesn't include more groups, then it's going to force the hand," four-time series champion Gordon said. "And I don't think that's a good thing."

Hunter said drivers don't need a union, because officials have an open-door policy and look after drivers' interests.

But Gordon wants NASCAR officials to take drivers' concerns about benefits more seriously.

"I just think as it gets bigger, you've got to start dealing with some of these things that have been swept under the rug for so long," he said.