Advocacy Corner

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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 how West Virginia is laying the groundwork for tracks around the nation to reduce risk liability, as well as the introduction of a new Washington, DC-based PAC manager for PRI and SEMA.

West Virginia Raises Awareness For Track Responsibility Bill With ‘Motorsports Day At The State Capitol’

Racing operators, promoters, officials, parts manufacturers, and related professionals recently gathered at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia, to help educate legislators about the positive impact the industry makes on the local and state economy. Representatives included professionals from the entire spectrum of motorsports—dirt tracks, road courses, paved ovals, drag racing, and more—along with PRI, SEMA, Summit Point Motorsports Park, and GNCC Motocross.

Organized by the West Virginia Motorsports Committee, this second annual event also highlighted the PRI- and SEMA-supported “Motorsports Responsibility Act” (H.B. 2569/S.B. 236), designed to help racing facility operators and owners by defining areas of responsibility and assumed risks by participants. [Editor’s note: H.B. 2569 is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee while S.B. 236 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee. To contact lawmakers in support of the Motorsport Responsibility Act, visit https://p2a.co/S9lLlWt.]

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Pictured at top row: Tim Cotter (MX Sports), Jeff Johnson (Summit Point Motorsports Park), Tom Deery (PRI), and Edwin Pardue (Summit Point Motorsports Park). At bottom row: WV Senator Ben Queen, WV Senator Mark Maynard, Kiley Chapley (SEMA/PRI), Laura Bowman (WV Motorsports Committee), Jared Frederick (Summit Point Motorsports Park), and Christian Robinson (SEMA/PRI).

Passage of this bill would likely reduce liability insurance premiums and allow the venues to invest the savings—such as to promote the venue—increasing tourism volume and, possibly, creating more jobs.  

PRI race track ambassador Tom Deery was on hand to share information on PRI’s Race Track Promoter Helpline [202-794-8279 and racinghelp@performanceracing.com], which is monitored five days a week and helps provide motorsports facilities and sanctioning bodies with access to relevant legal resources, peer-to-peer discussions, grassroots campaigns, lawyer referrals, and more support. 

“PRI is represented at events around the nation, from NASCAR’s biggest race in Daytona to short tracks in the Midwest to important legislative gatherings. Yes, PRI is the three biggest days in the motorsports business [set for December 7–9, in Indianapolis, Indiana], but we’re working hard year-round to support all levels of the industry,” Deery said. “What’s good about the WV Motorsports Day and the Motorsports Responsibility Act is that they provide a template for other state racing groups that might need to introduce similar legislation in their region. If passed, the bill would put motorsports venues in the same vein as ATV, equestrian, snow skiing, whitewater rafting, and related protected recreational venues in the state of West Virginia.”

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State Senator Mark Maynard, a huge supporter of motorsports, is helping to pass the Motorsports Responsibility Act to protect race venues.

West Virginians can also celebrate the passing of February 24 as the official WV Motorsports Day at the Legislature. The resolution was sponsored by Senator Mark Maynard and, as a result of its passage, will ensure the gathering will continue to elevate motorsports tracks and businesses in the state for years to come.

PRI, SEMA Hire Alicia Steger As PAC Manager

PRI and SEMA have hired Alicia Steger as their Political Action Committee (PAC) manager. Based in the Government and Public Affairs office in Washington, DC, Steger will lead fundraising efforts for both PRI and SEMA during the 2024 election cycle.

Members of PRI and SEMA PACs can contribute personal funds, which are used to help elect lawmakers that support pro-motorsports positions and initiatives. One hundred percent of PRI and SEMA PAC donations are allocated to funding political candidates’ campaigns that support PRI, SEMA, and their members.  

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Alicia Steger

“The 2024 elections will be here before we know. What’s on the ballot? EPA overreach, internal combustion engine bans, burdensome noise and zoning ordinances, and so much more. It’s essential that PRI and the racing community have a voice in each of these fights—and PRI PAC is our first line of defense,” said Christian Robinson, Senior Director, State Government Affairs & SEMA PAC.

For more information, contact Steger at alicias@sema.org.

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