The economic and cultural impact of grassroots racing was front and center on a national public television program as PRI and SEMA were featured in a new segment on PBS's long-running program "Market to Market."

The story, titled "Rural Racing Economics," explored how racing serves as both an economic engine and cultural cornerstone in rural communities across America. PRI Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs Karen Bailey-Chapman was interviewed as part of the segment, representing the collective voice of PRI members and highlighting the industry's broader impact beyond the race track.

Now in its 51st season, "Market to Market" is the nation's longest-running agricultural business program on public television. The weekly half-hour show airs on more than 120 public television stations across 17 states and reaches audiences throughout much of the Midwest, as well as regions stretching from New Mexico to Kentucky and Wyoming to Ohio. In addition to its television broadcast footprint, the program also streams online through YouTube and Facebook.

While "Market to Market" traditionally focuses on topics such as agriculture, environmental issues, emerging technologies and innovative business trends, producers have recently expanded coverage to include rural cultural and economic issues--making grassroots racing a natural fit.

The segment shines a spotlight on the important role racing plays in supporting local economies, small businesses and community identity in rural America--a message that continues to resonate across the motorsports industry.

Watch the full PBS segment, "Rural Racing Economics," on the Iowa PBS website or on YouTube below:

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Bruce Alan Bennett