(Left image, from left to right) Scott Bennetts, drag racer; Tierra Hubbard, SEMA/PRI senior manager of state government affairs; Michigan Rep. Brian BeGole; Woody Sloan, owner of Onondaga Dragway; and Tom Deery, PRI ambassador. (Right image) SEMA/PRI gave a presentation to 30-plus race tracks at the Michigan Speedway Promoters Association (MSPA) meeting in Michigan International Speedway.

SEMA and PRI are planting the seeds for a busy calendar year ahead protecting the racing community, starting in the key state of Michigan, to generate support for the ever-important "right to race" legislation. 

SEMA/PRI staff and advocates rallied support in Lansing in mid-October for legislation protecting race tracks from nuisance claims, similar to a recent SEMA/PRI-led effort in North Carolina. SEMA/PRI hosted meetings with lawmakers and later convened over 30 race tracks at the Michigan Speedway Promoters Association (MSPA) meeting at Michigan International Speedway as part of our ongoing "right to Race" campaign. 

Maximizing SEMA/PRI's Impact in Michigan

Over the course of three days, SEMA and PRI's Government Affairs team, joined by local race track owners and drivers, met with 14 lawmakers and their staff to build momentum behind proposed nuisance protection legislation. The goal: to safeguard race tracks that have operated lawfully for decades from legal challenges brought by surrounding developments. 

On the final day of the event, SEMA and PRI hosted a presentation for more than 30 race tracks across Michigan. The presentation outlined the legislation, explained its importance, and organized the next steps to strengthen the statewide coalition. The session included a presentation detailing the growing threat of nuisance claims and the urgent need for a unified advocacy effort. 

Effective Messaging to Protect Motorsports

(Left image, left to right) Scott Bennetts, drag racer; Woody Sloan, owner of Onondaga Dragway; Michigan Senator Jim Runestad; Tierra Hubbard, SEMA/PRI senior manager of state government affairs; Tom Deery, PRI ambassador. (Right image, left to right) Scott Bennetts, drag racer; Woody Sloan, owner of Onondaga Dragway; Michigan Rep. Amos O'Neal; Tierra Hubbard, SEMA/PRI senior manager of state government affairs; Tom Deery, PRI ambassador.

Lawmakers are expressing appreciation for this SEMA- and PRI-led outreach and have acknowledged the vital role race tracks play in Michigan's economy, culture and communities. 

Lawmakers are listening, race tracks and partners are mobilizing, and momentum is growing. This represents an opportunity to protect the future of racing in Michigan while preserving jobs, investment, tourism, and community tradition. 

SEMA and PRI remain committed to advancing similar legislation across the country to ensure that motorsports facilities, manufacturers, service providers, and related businesses are protected. By securing consistent legal safeguards nationwide, the industry can continue to thrive by preserving jobs, innovation, and the deep-rooted racing culture in Michigan and across America. 

Want to get involved? Help us keep Michigan's race tracks alive and thriving! Contact Tierra Hubbard, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs for SEMA and PRI, at tierrah@sema.org, to learn how you can support advocacy efforts in your state.

^{Feed image of Michigan International Speedway courtesy of Shutterstock.}