Imagine a world where every trip to the racetrack could land you in court, even if you signed a waiver. Sounds like a nightmare, right? That's the unsettling reality facing young MotoAmerica racer Rocco Landers, and potentially the entire motorsports community.
In this exclusive first-person account, Alessandro Assanti, Esq., a seasoned attorney specializing in motorcycle law, reveals a critical legal battle that could redefine the future of racing.
FIRST PERSON/OPINION:
By Alessandro Assanti
My name is Alessandro “Alex” Assanti, and I'm not just a lawyer; I'm a former motorcycle road racer myself. For nearly 30 years, I've dedicated my legal career in Orange County, California, to championing the rights of motorcyclists and bicyclists, representing everyone from professional teams and racers to power sports companies and even the very racetracks and motocross parks where we push our limits.
Currently, I'm representing Rocco Landers, a rising star in MotoAmerica and one of the most promising young road racers in the country. Rocco embodies the spirit of the sport – a dedicated athlete chasing his dream, fueled by passion and the hope of catching a break. He's a genuinely kind and talented individual, and I consider it an honor to stand by his side.
Now, here's where the story takes a concerning turn. In 2024, while riding a Supermoto bike at Adams Kart Track in Riverside, California, Rocco was involved in what would normally be considered a typical on-track incident. The other rider involved was Greg Dachner, a mechanical engineer at Rivian. But this wasn't the end of the story; it was just the beginning. Dachner, whose wife and father-in-law are both attorneys, decided to sue Rocco for the injuries he sustained in the incident, despite both riders having signed a liability waiver before even setting foot on the track.
Liability releases, or waivers, are the bedrock of motorsports. They're the reason racing is even possible. Think about it: if these waivers become unenforceable, insurance companies would be unwilling to cover racing events, effectively shutting down the sport as we know it. It’s a simple equation: No waivers = No insurance = No racing.
Driven by a deep commitment to protecting the future of motorcycling, I've personally donated my time to defend Rocco, ensuring that Mr. Dachner's lawsuit doesn't set a dangerous precedent. I've absorbed all the expenses thus far, determined to prevent what I see as an abuse of the legal system that threatens the freedoms of motorcyclists everywhere. But we're approaching trial, and the costs are escalating rapidly. To help offset these expenses, we've established a GoFundMe page. My goal is to raise awareness about this alarming situation and prevent Mr. Dachner from exploiting the legal system to erode the freedoms that motorcyclists cherish.
All funds raised will go directly towards retaining expert witnesses and covering essential court costs throughout the trial. This is more than just Rocco's fight; it's a fight for the entire racing community.
But here's what's truly at stake... If we lose this case, prepare for a seismic shift in your motorcycling experience. Imagine heading to the racetrack with the nagging thought that, despite signing a waiver, you could still be dragged into a lawsuit and held liable for damages. Welcome to the reality Rocco and countless others will face if we don't stand up against this. If waivers become meaningless, it could lead to the closure of open-to-motorcycle tracks across California. And worse, this legal precedent could easily spread to other states, as California often sets the trend for legal principles in civil litigation.
When you swing your leg over a motorcycle, especially on a track surrounded by other riders, you inherently accept a certain level of risk. If you can't embrace that risk, then track riding simply isn't for you. Many of us have experienced racing incidents resulting in hospital visits or injuries through no fault of our own. It's a risk we willingly accept to experience the unparalleled thrill of riding on a track.
I urge you to spread the word about this crucial case. We need to generate both legal pressure and a strong online presence to support Rocco and safeguard our motorcycling freedoms. If you want to follow the case, it's filed in the Superior Court in the County of Riverside, Case No. CVRI 2304163. (See below for the complaint and the waiver Mr. Dachner signed.) Mr. Dachner’s attorneys (and wife and father-in-law) are David Flyer and Raquel Flyer Dachner.
Please consider contributing to the Supporting Rocco Landers Legal Defense Fund on GoFundMe. Help us preserve our motorcycling freedoms. Thank you.
Alessandro G. Assanti, Esq.
A.G. Assanti & Associates, PC
www.bike911.com
Complaint
(https://www.roadracingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Complaint.pdf) Complaint Etc
(https://www.roadracingworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Complaint-Etc.pdf)
Now, for the controversial part: Some might argue that Mr. Dachner has a right to seek compensation for his injuries, regardless of the waiver. They might believe that waivers shouldn't completely absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions on the track. This raises a critical question: Where do we draw the line between personal responsibility and the inherent risks of participating in a high-speed sport? Should waivers be ironclad, or should there be room for legal recourse in certain circumstances?
What are your thoughts? Do you believe waivers should always protect racers from lawsuits, or are there situations where injured parties should have the right to sue, even after signing a waiver? Share your opinions in the comments below. Let's have a discussion about the future of racing and the balance between risk, responsibility, and legal rights.
