This veteran motorsports insurance specialist joins USAC at a critical time for the Speedway, Indiana-based sanctioning body.

Having recently joined the United States Auto Club (USAC) as its new risk and compliance manager, Laura Hauenstein brings to the job 20 years of motorsports insurance experience, along with the recognition and respect of racers. In her new role, Hauenstein is charged with overseeing risk management at the series, track, and participant levels for USAC’s expanding portfolio of series.

Her appointment comes at a critical time for motorsports insurance, as all stakeholders are grappling with implementing state-issued COVID-19 protocols. She’s got the experience, including several years working with USAC on the insurance side, where she has worn multiple hats as an agent and broker for a number of different carriers. 

Among her accomplishments, she collaborated with a key carrier to build one of the largest insurance programs in US motorsports. By developing a groundbreaking approach to underwriting, and functioning as an underwriter with line of authority, Hauenstein also helped to transform how motorsports insurance policies are structured.

PRI recently connected with Laura Hauenstein to learn more about her vision and goals at USAC.

PRI: How did you get involved with the racing industry?

Hauenstein: While in the insurance industry, I insured a few trucking companies that sponsored racing. Through those clients and invitations to the track, I became involved in the motorsports side. Racers at short tracks got to know me. Many admitted that they would actually hide in their trailers from a broker they did not like to deal with. People would ask me all the time if I could help them, and they promised not to hide from me!

PRI: Why is this position a good fit for you?

Hauenstein: I’ve worked with [USAC CEO] Kevin Miller and his team for years on the insurance and risk management side. It’s been amazing and fun to watch USAC’s growth as it formed strategic partnerships to ensure ongoing success in the sport. Everyone on the USAC team is truly dedicated to their work and improving the world of racing.

PRI: How are you planning to improve the organization or its processes?

Hauenstein: My goal is to review contracts and have input on keeping all parties clear on obligations so that the CEO can do what he does best. I want to grow the organization and give opportunity to all racers, versus getting bogged down in the paperwork and back office work. I want to ensure that races move forward with racers knowing how the process works and that USAC is looking out for them.

PRI: What do you see as the biggest challenges ahead of you?

Hauenstein: COVID-19 is obviously a major challenge. We need to help tracks to keep participants and spectators in compliance with social distance rules while continuing to foster the enjoyment that motorsports offers.

PRI: How, specifically, will COVID-19 impact your efforts at USAC?

Hauenstein: COVID-19 could have little impact if all affiliates involved with USAC will continue to learn and follow CDC guidelines. USAC’s leadership team wants nothing more than to keep all participants and spectators safe and in compliance so that the continuation of racing is a non-issue. 

PRI: Could you outline your top strategic goals for the next 12 months?

Hauenstein: I’ll be spending time with each division of USAC, learning where they could use my help making processes as smooth as possible with regard to getting on track. I’ll be talking to members to clarify anything that might be confusing and addressing processes that could be improved upon in relation to safety or insurance.

PRI: What changes will members or business partners notice, or what do you hope they notice, as a result of your efforts?

Hauenstein: They’ll notice a direct line of communication to move paperwork for events through, as well as a better understanding of how claims are handled and why different information is necessary to make the handling quicker. I want them to see how USAC’s insurance works in relation to their own.

PRI: What’s your most gratifying professional accomplishment so far? 

Hauenstein: Earning the trust of someone like Kevin Miller to appoint me to the USAC leadership team.

PRI: Who inspires you, and why? 

Hauenstein: Professionally, Ruthie Culbertson, vice president of business development and marketing at Experiential Events Group: She’s a ball of energy who knows how to plow through anything needed in the motorsports world and just get it done!

Also Robert Lutz, president/CEO of NASCAR Racing Experience and Mario Andretti Racing Experience: He has an amazing ability to turn whatever he touches in the world of racing into gold.

Personally, I’d like to mention my Uncle Charles Priest. He was married to my Mother’s sister Mary. When my Mom failed at being a mom, Aunt Mary and Uncle Charlie took over and helped five kids have an anchor in life. Not once did he utter a bad word about anyone, and he is 86. He just lost the love of his life after 64.5 years together and still worries about everyone else and not himself. Uncle Charlie doesn’t have an enemy in the world and would do anything for anyone. I think that is where I learned to do for others as much as I could, without expectation of return.

PRI: What can you not live without, and why?

Hauenstein: Good friends. Whether in business or outside of business, they keep you going when you need that friendly lift-up on a bad day. I’ve made many awesome friendships in my years of insuring motorsports. 

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Laura Hauenstein

Title:
Risk and Compliance Manager

Organization:
United States Auto Club (USAC)

Hometown:
Pleasant Lake, Michigan

Fast Fact:
“I spend my off hours rescuing horses, focusing on the American Mustang. My organization is Reality’s Chance Rescue & Sanctuary in Michigan.”