A bill to protect race tracks from NIMBY-led nuisance complaints is set to become law in North Carolina. The North Carolina General Assembly last week passed HB926, which protects race tracks from nuisance claims, specifically in cases where the motorsports facility had legally established development rights and received all necessary permits and approvals to begin construction and operations. Governor Josh Stein announced that he will allow the bill to become law without his signature.

SEMA and PRI, throughout this process, worked closely with Rep. Allen Chesser, chair of the House Standing Committee on Regulatory Reform, meeting to express industry support, outlining strategies to get the bill across the finish line and highlighting the impact it will have on tracks across the state.

Background

Race tracks deserve strong champions to advocate on their behalf. Too many across the country face direct challenges that threaten their survival. These facilities are more than just tracks. They sustain jobs, generate local economic activity and embody a vital piece of our motorsports heritage, not just in North Carolina, but nationwide. When a track closes, communities lose real jobs, real livelihoods and beloved traditions. HB926 ensures race tracks can operate without the constant threat of closure or restricted use.

This new law sparks a broader conversation around the protection of race tracks. Iowa recently enacted a similar law, reflecting growing recognition that race tracks deserve the same commonsense protections that have long been afforded to farms and other longstanding community institutions.

Take Action: Protecting race tracks is among the top legislative priorities for SEMA and PRI entering 2026. In order to advance similar protections in additional states across the country, we'll need a strong ground game and a diverse coalition of business leaders and enthusiasts.

Consider hosting your local lawmakers at your race track and show them firsthand the vital role these facilities play in your community. Use the opportunity to educate them on how race tracks support jobs, drive local economic activity and tourism, and preserve cherished community traditions. Every visit helps lawmakers understand why protecting motorsports is essential--no matter the state.

For more information, contact Tierra Hubbard, SEMA senior manager for state government affairs, at tierrah@sema.org. 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

Tyler Epp, the former president of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, has joined the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as its first global head of commercial strategy, the team announced.

Epp oversaw the organization's motorsports business operations for the Miami Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome at Hard Rock Stadium and previously served as the vice president of business development for the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Additionally, Epp held leadership roles at Hall of Fame Racing, a former NASCAR Cup Series Team, and Chip Ganassi Racing.

"We could not have found a better leader and visionary to build out the commercial arm of our team," said Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team and parent company TWG Motorsports. "His work shaping the Miami Grand Prix into one of the marquee events on the Formula 1 calendar demonstrates his unique command of the sport domestically and worldwide."

For more information, visit twgmotorsports.com.

Brad Sweet and Kevin Rudeen have acquired Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC), the West Coast sprint car series and sanctioning body formerly owned and operated by Jim Allen and Brent Kaeding.

The transaction will be effective for the 2026 season.

"Brent and I have been exploring potential succession plans for NARC over the past few years," said Allen. "Our primary criterion was to find a party deeply invested in our sport and committed to building on the club's history. We are confident that we have made the right decision with Brad Sweet and Kevin Rudeen. Their extensive experience and support of 410 sprint car racing are highly regarded."

Kaeding and Kaeding Performance Center will continue their involvement with NARC as the official parts vendor and as a heat race sponsor. Jim Allen will transition into a NARC historian role, focusing on accumulating missing information from the organization's early years.

"Kevin and I are both really excited to continue our pursuit of helping and growing 410 sprint car racing on the West Coast," said Sweet, a six-time national sprint car champion. "There is no better way to accomplish this than to build on the foundation of what Jim Allen, Brent Kaeding and many others have built over many years. NARC has been a staple on the West Coast for many years, and we hope to continue to create many more successful seasons for the race fans, teams, promoters and racers."

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

For more information, visit narc410.com.

The FIA, the international sanctioning body based in Paris, has launched a new task force initiated by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to provide clarity on global motor sport insurance policy and the impact of its rising costs.

The motor sport sector has reported escalating premiums, restricted coverage and reduced access to insurance that risks the sustainability and growth of motorsport at a global level.

Under the direction of Ben Sulayem and co-led by FIA Secretaries General Valerio Iachizzi and Willem Groenewald, as well as with the support of representatives from the FIA Member Clubs and insurance and risk management experts, the committee will review the growing issue and aims to deliver clear guidance and practical solutions for members, the organization said, and ultimately provide educational resources, global understanding and cross-governmental engagement to support FIA member clubs as they navigate the changing insurance landscape.

"Our Members are at the heart of everything we do at the FIA, delivering outstanding work worldwide in both sport and mobility. As their federation, it is our duty to provide clarity, guidance and representation in global governance on issues that shape the future of motor sport," said Ben Sulayem.

"The FIA is committed to ensuring motor sport and mobility are safe, sustainable, affordable, and accessible, while driving global growth. Rising insurance costs risk limiting opportunities and undermining accessibility across the world. To address this, we must work hand in hand with our clubs, insurers and local authorities to deliver solutions that keep our sport safe, fair, and sustainable for all."

The task force will:

• Examine the scale, scope and impact of these challenges
• Identify the core issues and root causes
• Develop metrics and benchmarks to assess the financial and operational implications
• Evaluate the potential risk to the future of motor sport if left unaddressed

With the assessment phase now underway, an interim report will be delivered at the FIA Annual General Assemblies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in December.

For more information, visit fia.com.

Graphic courtesy of the FIA

Got breaking news the industry needs to hear? Exhibiting companies at the 2025 PRI Show, December 11-13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, can host a press conference in their booth and put their announcements front and center for the global motorsports media.

Hundreds of journalists will be on-site covering the hottest products, innovations and stories shaping the future of racing. Whether you’re announcing an acquisition, expansion, new partnership or a major milestone, a complimentary 30-minute press conference is your chance to command the spotlight.

But don’t wait—time slots to be included in the official 2025 PRI Show Press Conference Schedule and all promotions are limited. Secure your spot by Friday, November 28.

To secure a spot in the 2025 PRI Show Press Conference Schedule, contact Marissa Guajardo at marissag@sema.org or by calling 909-979-0782.

New for 2025: PRI Show Press Release Tool

PRI Show exhibitors can also generate excitement and awareness among attendees and media--and possibly be included in PRI publications and promotions--by posting Show-related press releases at performanceracing.com/node/add/press_releases_exhibitor.

The new tool enables exhibitors to spotlight their products, make pre-Show announcements and direct media to their booths in the Indiana Convention Center, December 11-13.  

Here are a few press release submission tips:  

• Post early. Media run preview stories with deadlines beginning in October.
• Post often. Celebrity appearances, vehicle unveils, product news, special announcements--media want to know what you're doing at the PRI Show.
• Use a strong, short headline that will catch the media's attention.  
• Keep the press release brief. Journalists want to know what the press release is about right from the beginning.  
• Include a photo; releases with photos are more likely to be used. Submit photos in a high-resolution image format.
• When you upload a press release, make sure the type of announcement and racing segment is tagged correctly.
• Always include your booth number and contact information.  

To learn more about the PRI Show Exhibitor Press Releases tool and other public relations resources, including press conferences, available to PRI Show exhibitors, contact Juan Torres at juant@performanceracing.com.   

Motorsports competition is alive and well across the nation. Here's a roundup of racing events taking place this weekend:

NASCAR Cup Series

Event: Bank of America ROVAL 400
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway (road course) — Concord, North Carolina
Date: Sunday, October 5
Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT

World of Outlaws Late Model Series

Event: Humboldt Showdown
Location: Humboldt Speedway — Humboldt, Kansas
Date: Friday, October 3
Time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
 

Event: Ed Gressel Tribute
Location: 81 Speedway – Park City, Kansas
Date: Saturday, October 4
Time: 6:15 p.m. CDT

USAC Sprint Car National Championship

Event: 55th Annual Tony Hulman Classic
Location: Terre Haute Action Track – Terre Haute, Indiana
Date: Friday, October 3
Time: 6:30 p.m. EDT

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

Event: J&S Classics National Open
Location: Williams Grove Speedway — Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Date: October 3-4

SCCA

Event: SCCA National Championship Runoffs
Location: Road America – Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Date: September 29 – October 5

Image courtesy of Shutterstock

BMR Suspension, a Florida-based manufacturer of suspension and chassis products for early- and late-model American performance vehicles, has acquired Control Freak Suspensions of Sanford, Florida.

With the acquisition, both companies will continue to operate independently. BMR Suspension will expand its classic muscle car offerings to include Dodge, Ford and AMC. In addition, BMR Suspension and Control Freak Suspensions will work closely together to develop new products for the performance aftermarket industry as they continue their shared mission, company representatives said in a statement announcing the acquisition.

"Control Freak Suspensions manufactures amazing products for classic Dodge, Ford and AMC vehicles," said Allan Miller, president of BMR Suspension. "I am excited to integrate this dynamic catalog into the family of products that BMR Suspension already offers."

"This acquisition is a prime example of synergy, with two trusted American manufacturers combining to supply the best in suspension systems for modern and classic American muscle cars," said Al Kamhi, president of Control Freak Suspensions. "It is experience, innovation and quality at its finest."

For more information, visit bmrsuspension.com or freakride.com.

A new initiative offers national streaming exposure in exchange for on-site and digital promotions, creating a win–win for the motorsports community.
 

POWERtube TV, a free automotive and motorsports streaming network, has launched a Support Program designed to help grassroots tracks and promoters expand their reach and connect with more fans. Available on the web, mobile devices and major connected TV platforms--including Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV--the network is leveraging its platform to give back to the grassroots community.

The program operates as a trade exchange. POWERtube TV provides exposure for participating facilities and events through commercials, web placements, email campaigns, and social media promotion. In return, tracks and promoters display signage and provide digital support to increase awareness of POWERtube TV within their communities.

The goal is to create a cycle of shared visibility: network exposure during local events builds audience size, while that larger audience sees the marketing POWERtube TV generates for the tracks and promoters--driving additional awareness and attendance, the company stated.

"This program isn't about money--it's about lifting each other up," said Brian Bossone, founder of POWERtube TV. "We want to give tracks and promoters the national exposure they deserve, while growing our motorsports audience in the process. The stronger grassroots racing becomes, the stronger the entire industry becomes."

For more information on how tracks and promoters can participate in the POWERtube TV Support Program, visit watchpowertubetv.com/partners/powertube-marketing-partnerships or email contact@boss1media.com.

The October issue of PRI Magazine takes an in-depth look at the continuing development of hydrogen power in the motorsports world, plus the many recent milestones reached by fuel-cell vehicles on some of the world's most iconic tracks. Additional coverage this month includes the latest in the motorhome and toterhome world, as well as the growing relevance of sim racing, how 3D printing is shaking up the status quo, a glance at the super modified tractor pulling class, and a lot more.

You will also get the inside scoop on the 2025 PRI Show, with a preview of some of the new features--like an off-road section devoted to King of the Hammers--and returning favorites, including the Featured Products Showcase.

Catch up on it all in the October issue, available now HERE.

Below is a step-by-step guide to claiming your free digital subscription to PRI Magazine on your phone.

Visit the link below or scan the QR code to claim your coupon voucher:

Claim your free PRI Magazine digital subscription here.

Fill in the mandatory fields and questions regarding your motorsports background and interests.

Hit subscribe to claim your free subscription. Now, you're able to activate your account by downloading the PRI Magazine app. Tap the IOS link for Apple devices and Google Play for others.

Once you sign up, you'll have full access to a year's worth of valuable industry knowledge and insights. Get to reading! Be sure to sign up for notifications on the latest issue.

For any questions or assistance, please reach out to PRI's Customer Service Team at membership@performanceracing.com or call 949-499-5413. 

Katharina Nowak has been named president of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX, event organizers announced. At 28, Nowak becomes the youngest president of a Formula 1 race and one of only two women in the role worldwide.

She succeeds Tyler Epp, who has led the event since 2022 and oversaw four consecutive sellouts, as well as rising attendance, revenue growth, and the 2024 Formula 1 Promoter of the Year award. Epp is departing for another position in the motorsports industry.

"I am excited to announce Katharina as our president. She is one of the most talented young executives I've been around, and I know she will continue to build on what has been established here--that we are committed to innovating fan experience and delivering a world-class event for drivers, teams and fans," said Tom Garfinkel, Managing Partner of the Miami Grand Prix and South Florida Motorsports. "I also want to thank Tyler for his leadership. The Grand Prix simply wouldn't be what it has grown into today without him."

Nowak joined the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium enterprise in 2019, later moving into roles with the Grand Prix across events, corporate partnerships, and business operations. She was promoted to vice president in 2024 after leading collaboration across departments, negotiating business and partnership opportunities, and directing strategic planning. A Vienna, Austria, native, she graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in advertising/public relations.

"I am both humbled and excited to take on this new role as president," said Nowak. "I want to thank Steve Ross, Tom and Tyler for their vision, investment and leadership. In this new chapter, our goals remain unchanged--we will continue to deliver an exceptional event for our stakeholders, with elite on-track action and fan-first experience at the center of all we do. We have an incredible team committed to excellence, and I am eager to continue the work that has already begun."

In addition, John Murphy has been promoted to managing director of South Florida Motorsports. He will lead operations for all motorsport events at the Miami International Autodrome, including the Precision Drive Club. Murphy has been part of the Grand Prix since its inaugural year in 2022, most recently as vice president of Sporting & Racing Operations. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he previously spent seven years at Motorsport Australia overseeing business development and commercial operations.