Tracking legal, legislative, and regulatory developments impacting the racing and performance industry.

PRI’s Washington, DC-based legal and advocacy teams work continuously to protect and support motorsports venues, sanctioning bodies, and businesses around the nation. We are tracking several initiatives this month, including PRI’s inaugural State of the Racing Market Report, a successful Washington, DC Rally to advocate for our industry, and victories to protect vehicle choice in Louisiana and Virginia.

Inaugural State of the Racing Market Report is Published

PRI released its first-ever market research report, showing that track-use motorsports parts accounted for more than $8 billion in sales in the United States in 2023, among many other racing market data points. Produced by PRI Market Research, the 2024 State of the Racing Market Report includes key industry trends and sales metrics and is available to PRI Business and Individual Members for free as a membership benefit.
“As the industry continues to evolve, businesses need to rely on facts to understand where the market currently stands and where it’s headed,” said PRI President Michael Good. “This study takes the guesswork out for our members, helping them to identify new opportunities in an easy-to-read and comprehensive download.”
The report finds that “businesses across the racing ecosystem are seeing positive signs that motorsports is getting back to its usual rhythm.” According to the report, 76% of racing businesses view the racing market as either stable or on the rise. While companies saw strong sales growth following the reopening of tracks and resumption of races post-pandemic due to pent-up demand, the growth slowed slightly in 2023 amidst recession and inflation concerns. Still, overall sales were largely positive or remained stable for those selling racing parts.
“The racing segment continues to be a strong piece of the specialty-equipment market and a revenue opportunity for many businesses,” added Good. “Whether you are a CEO, salesperson, or race service provider, this report can help you stay ahead of the curve and navigate the dynamic motorsports landscape.”
PRI Business and Individual Members can access and download the full report by using their individual login to access their member portal at: performanceracing.com. Once logged in, the report can be found by clicking “My Benefits.”

PRI Members Rally on Capitol Hill, Host ‘Cars at the Capitol’ Event

PRI members recently traveled to Washington, DC, to advocate for the interests of the motorsports parts industries as part of the 2024 SEMA & PRI Washington, DC Rally. Members and industry leaders held nearly 150 meetings with elected officials and congressional staff, advocating for their lawmakers to support legislation to protect the future of the industry. “Thanks to all of the PRI and SEMA members who participated in the 2024 Washington Rally and made sure the motorsports parts industry’s voice was heard on Capitol Hill,” said Eric Snyder, PRI’s senior director of federal government affairs. “The relationships that were developed and reinforced during our meetings and interactions with lawmakers and their staff are critical to ensuring Congress understands and addresses our industry’s policy needs.”

Congressional meetings provided PRI members with an opportunity to advocate for protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles with advanced technology, stopping vehicle technology mandates that limit consumer choice, protecting motorized access to federal government lands, making permanent business tax incentives for race tracks, and extending business tax incentives that will be expiring or be reduced in 2025.

The Rally kicked off with a congressional dinner and engaging panel discussion hosted by TV presenter and car builder Ant Anstead. The discussion featured industry champions from the U.S. Representatives, including Reps. Marie Glusenkamp Perez (D-WA), Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Mark Amodei (R-NV). Industry members also participated in a lunch at the exclusive Capitol Hill Club with U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), co-chair of the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. The Rally also featured “Cars at the Capitol”—a curated showcase of customized vehicles ranging from classic cars to late model vehicles—putting our industry on display just beyond the steps of the Capitol.

PRI members who were unable to attend this year’s Rally can still get involved by writing their members of Congress on issues of key importance to their business and the industry. We also encourage you to host your members of Congress at your business. Our government affairs team makes this easy by coordinating the logistics and participating in lawmaker visits to member companies.

Virginia Becomes First State to Disassociate Itself from California’s Emissions Standards and ICE Ban

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the Commonwealth would not adopt California’s 2035 ban on selling new gas- and diesel-powered motor vehicles.
“Seventeen states have attached themselves to California’s emissions standards over the past 20-plus years. Nine states have passed laws and/or resolutions rejecting government deciding what technology American consumers must purchase and buy,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “Virginia is now the first state in the nation to untangle itself from California’s emissions standards and EV mandates. We applaud Governor Youngkin for this bold action that rejects the notion that California should determine policies for nearly half of American consumers. We urge other states to follow Virginia’s lead.”
SEMA and PRI have led the charge to pass laws and/or resolutions in nine states that would outlaw states and local governments from mandating a singular vehicle technology over others and protect the American consumer’s right to choose the vehicle technology that best suits them and their families. SEMA and PRI’s efforts also led to the successful delay in the adoption of California’s ICE ban in Connecticut and Maine earlier this year.

Louisiana Governor Signs Bill to Protect Vehicle Choice into Law

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed House Bill (H.B.) 515 into law, which ensures consumers’ choice of vehicle power plants and fuel technologies. This action will go into effect on August 1, 2024.
The PRI-supported law officially prohibits a state agency from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source. H.B. 515 passed both chambers of the legislature with overwhelming support. The new law makes Louisiana the latest state to embrace vehicle choice.
“PRI and SEMA appreciate Governor Landry and Louisiana’s lawmakers for approving H.B. 515,” said Colby Martin, PRI’s director of state government affairs. “As with any automotive advancements, PRI and SEMA have continued to support an ‘all of the above’ approach to vehicle technology policy, advocating for technology-neutral policy that allows the free market to continue to innovate all technology that significantly reduces vehicle emissions.”
Louisiana is among several states seeking similar proposals. PRI believes that Louisianans, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. This effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation, and protects jobs.