are said to have “assumed the risk of harm” by undertaking strenuous athletic activity. Such “Assumption of the Risk” usually precludes recovery for personal injuries, even in cases of permanent head injury and brain damage. This “voluntary assumption of risks” that were known or should have been known upon reasonable inspection (or the exercise of reasonable care) is usually an absolute defense to a personal injury lawsuit in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bottom line, try to walk, drive, ride or jog the race course BEFORE racing. You will have the advantage of knowing the turns, hills and details of the race course, AND you will have reduced the chances of injury to yourself and others.