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 Driving Force Action PAC’s efforts to broaden campaign messaging nationwide in preparation for the 2024 general election, and two successful rallies in California and Pennsylvania that featured motorsports businesses engaging with state lawmakers and advocating for our industry.

Driving Force Action Launches with Focus on November Elections, EV Mandates

Driving Force Action (DFA) is ramping up efforts to counter President Biden’s electric vehicle (EV) mandates by focusing on key battleground states in November’s upcoming high-stakes elections. A project of SEMA and PRI, DFA’s mission is to engage voters nationwide to elevate the issue of EV mandates and support candidates who believe in the freedom of choice for American car buyers rather than federal government imposition.
“While many Americans struggle to make ends meet, President Biden is forcing us into EVs we can’t afford. Once again, the wealthy will take advantage of the tax breaks and subsidies, while the rest of us will be stuck with the bill,” said Scot Crockett, spokesperson for DFA.
A significant victory for DFA came recently when Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the state would no longer follow California’s EV mandate, which would have required all new cars sold in Virginia to be fully electric by 2035. This announcement came after a year-long campaign by DFA to roll back the EV mandate in Virginia.
Driving Force Action, established as a political action committee in 2023, is now broadening its campaign message nationwide in preparation for the 2024 general election. In 2023, DFA’s focus on Virginia elections resulted in a 75% success rate for its endorsed candidates.
To learn more about Driving Force Action, visit: drivingforceaction.org.

Racing Businesses Engage with Lawmakers, Advocate for Pro-Industry Policies at SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally

In June, SEMA and PRI’s Washington, DC, office organized the SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally at the state capitol in Harrisburg, bringing together automotive aftermarket and motorsports businesses to engage with lawmakers and advocate for industry-supportive policies.
Participants tackled several vital legislative issues during their discussions with state lawmakers, and Pennsylvania’s historical alignment with California’s motor-vehicle emissions laws was a significant focus. Attendees strongly advocated for the state to maintain its current stance of not adopting California’s 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles. Other critical topics included the corporate net income tax rate and net operating losses for small businesses.

The SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally highlighted the specialty automotive aftermarket industry’s substantial contributions to Pennsylvania’s economy, with a $9.26 billion economic output and support for more than 40,000 jobs, an economic impact that underscores the industry’s vital role in the Keystone state’s economy.
At a luncheon, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania’s 7th District, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the pivotal role of individual industry members in advocacy efforts. He underscored the significant impact of advocacy from within the industry on shaping legislative initiatives affecting Pennsylvania’s automotive aftermarket.
“Our collective voice gains strength through member engagement, directly impacting policy decisions that shape our industry,” said Christian Robinson, PRI’s senior director of state government affairs and grassroots, highlighting the critical importance of active member involvement during events like the SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally. “These gatherings serve as essential platforms for fostering meaningful discussions, fostering collaboration, and propelling positive changes, all of which are crucial for ensuring a dynamic and prosperous future for the automotive aftermarket in Pennsylvania.”

Motorsports Industry Advocates for ITS Future at SEMA/PRI California Rally

The SEMA/PRI California Rally, hosted in Sacramento on June 5, brought together businesses within the automotive aftermarket and motorsports industry to amplify their voices and advocate for policies conducive to industry growth and innovation.
Participants engaged with influential California lawmakers, leveraging their collective voice to champion policies supporting industry growth. Key legislative topics included supporting cutting-edge vehicle technologies, Proposition 65, emissions compliance, and a PRI-opposed proposal mandating speed limiters in new vehicles.  
The SEMA/PRI California Rally highlighted the specialty automotive aftermarket industry’s substantial contributions to California’s economy, creating more than $40 billion in economic output and nearly 150,000 jobs, an economic impact that underscores the industry’s vital role in the Golden State.

Christian Robinson, PRI’s senior director of state government affairs and grassroots, emphasized the importance of member engagement in events like the SEMA/PRI California Rally. “Member participation is crucial in amplifying our collective voice and shaping policies that directly impact our industry,” Robinson said. “Events like these provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration, driving positive change and ensuring a vibrant future for the automotive aftermarket in California.”