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 new movement in legislation benefiting race track owners, four states’ proposed bans on internal combustion engine (ICE) technology, and an update on how members of the industry came together to uplift the racing and automotive community.

Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act Introduced Into Senate, Gains Industry Support

US Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and Todd Young (R-IN) have introduced S. 2462, the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act. The PRI-supported, bipartisan legislation would accelerate the time it takes for tracks to recover the cost of their long-term investments, such as facility upgrades and improvements. The Act would make permanent a seven-year cost recovery period for investments, an incentive currently set to expire at the end of 2025.

Companion legislation, H.R. 2696, was introduced earlier this year in the US House of Representatives by Representatives Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Mike Thompson (D-CA), along with seven bipartisan co-sponsors. Motorsports facilities have benefited from accelerated cost recovery since 2004, when Congress codified a temporary provision that defined “motorsports entertainment complex.” In 2020, Congress extended the accelerated depreciation of investments through December 2025. S. 2462 and H.R. 2696 would make the accelerated depreciation incentive permanent for more than 1,500 race tracks across the nation that have been the source of affordable, family-friendly entertainment for more than half a century.

“Most motorsports facilities are small businesses that employ many hard-working Americans and provide positive economic benefits to the surrounding communities they serve. Congress should make this provision permanent to all owners to make necessary investments to their tracks and property to ensure that racing continues to be available to enthusiasts nationwide,” explained Tiffany Cipoletti, PRI Federal Government Affairs Manager.

The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act is gaining traction across the industry. Jonathan Byrd, the general manager of Indianapolis Speedrome, recently told WISH-TV Indianapolis about the paved short track’s recent upgrades, including new concession stands, lighting, scoreboard, grandstands, and a beer garden. Byrd emphasized why the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act is essential, as at least six of his fellow track operators have been unable to reopen their gates this year.

PRI track ambassador Tom Deery echoed Byrd’s sentiments to WISH-TV Indianapolis, stating that the tax break helps motorsports and entertainment facilities continually reinvent themselves to ensure the best customer experience.

For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.

Action Needed: Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, and New Jersey Propose ICE Bans

Officials in Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, and New Jersey have published PRI- and SEMA-opposed regulations that, if approved, would require each state to adopt California’s latest motor vehicle emissions laws. The moves would effectively outlaw the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars in those states beginning in 2035.

While Connecticut, Maine, and New Jersey have historically followed California’s tailpipe laws, Colorado has recently flip-flopped on its stance. Once an advocate for individual choice in automobile purchases, the state is now pushing for an 80% zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate by 2032. This change in direction raises concerns about consumer choice, affordability, and the future of the automotive aftermarket industry.

“We believe that enthusiasts, not the government, should decide what vehicles are best for them and their families. Furthermore, the automotive industry is embracing new technology to make cars cleaner and more efficient, which includes hydrogen, new synthetic fuels, alternative fuels, and improvements to ICE technology,” said Christian Robinson, PRI Senior Director, State Government Affairs & Grassroots. “Simply put, the government should allow the market to continue to innovate all forms of technology that significantly reduce vehicle emissions, not just electric vehicles.”

Enthusiasts voiced their opposition to the regulations in comments submitted to state departments prior to press time. Submissions are now closed. PRI will continue to provide updates on these important initiatives.

For more information, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA, PRI PACs Raise Thousands for the Industry at the Verizon Brickyard 200

On Sunday, August 13, the automotive industry witnessed exhilarating on-track action alongside a successful collaboration between PRI and SEMA Political Action Committees (PACs). The highly anticipated fundraiser, held during the NASCAR Verizon 200 at the Brickyard race, was a resounding success, bringing together industry leaders, local media, and passionate race enthusiasts for an unforgettable event.

Against the backdrop of the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), nearly 50 PAC members, most of whom were first-time donors, raised more than $14,000 to support our shared mission to advocate for the interests of the automotive aftermarket sector and racing communities.

US law restricts trade associations like SEMA and PRI from funding political candidates, but our voices still need to be heard. A PAC allows association members to pool resources and protect individual freedoms such as vehicle purchase choice, off-road access, and the right to race.

Keep an eye on the PRI eNews for upcoming PRI PAC fundraising events. For more information on how you can get involved in the PRI PAC, contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org or 202-796-2252.