In a high-profile elevation of the importance of protecting the American motorsports industry, Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling met with PRI during the Great American State Fair's "Horsepower Day" for a robust discussion of national efforts to protect the motorsports industry, help foster job opportunities, and enable small businesses nationwide to thrive. WATCH THE INTERVIEW.

SEMA and PRI caught up with acting United States Secretary of Labor @Sonderling47 who shared that motorsports plays a vital role in the nation’s workforce and generates almost $70 BILLION dollars for the American economy. ⁰⁰Motorsports provides a pathway to prosperity for… pic.twitter.com/vj1I7F1AyW

— SEMA Action (@semaaction) July 7, 2026

Secretary Sonderling was at the Great American State Fair to participate in the Horsepower of America panel with racing icon Richard Childress, NASCAR CEO Steve O'Donnell, Jim Campbell, GM's Vice president of performance and motorsports and NASCAR Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon.

While speaking with PRI, Secretary Sonderling expressed a real passion for motorsports, discussing policy issues that affect drivers, teams and racetracks, and how the Department of Labor is working to support businesses that rely on racing to provide for their families.

Noting how racing has been a vital part of American history and culture, Secretary Sonderling says the momentum behind the sport is only beginning to grow, citing increased media attention from fans and professional productions leading to a direct correlation in increased popularity for the sport.

Secretary Sonderling highlighted the vital role motorsports provides for the American labor market; a recent PRI study found that nearly 320,000 jobs depend on motorsports and drive a $69 billion annual economic impact.

When asked the opportunities motorsports provides for American labor, Secretary Sonderling noted "[The Department of Labor] is really pushing people to get into the automotive industry," adding, "the automotive industry is embracing the apprenticeship model, where you can start in high school working for Ford or General Motors, get a guaranteed job and graduate with zero student debt".

Questions? Contact PRI Director of Government Affairs for Racing Tierra Hubbard at tierrah@performanceracing.com.

Images courtesy of Department of Labor