By SEMA Editors
The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act (S. 2462 and H.R. 2696), introduced into the Senate and House of Representatives, has gained additional support as stakeholders across the industry voice their backing of the bill.
The PRI-supported, bipartisan legislation would accelerate the time it takes for tracks to recover the cost of their long-term investments, such as facility upgrades and improvements. The Act would make permanent a seven-year cost recovery period for investments, an incentive currently set to expire at the end of 2025 (more details here).
Indianapolis Speedrome general manager Jonathan Byrd recently told Wish-TV Indianapolis, Indiana, about its recent upgrades, including new concession stands, lighting, scoreboard, grandstands and a beer garden. Byrd emphasized why the bill is essential, as at least six of his fellow track owners have been unable to reopen their gates this year.
PRI track ambassador Tom Deery echoed Byrd's sentiments to Wish-TV Indianapolis, stating that the tax break helps motorsports and entertainment facilities continually reinvent themselves to ensure the best customer experience.
"When people come, they want to make sure that they've got the best possible experience," Deery said to Wish-TV Indianapolis. "So tracks are now looking at improving things like improving seating and restrooms and walkways. In one way, this is kind of an encouragement for those facilities to make that step."
Watch the Wish-TV Indianapolis video below.
SEMA's dedicated Washington, D.C. office will continue to provide updates on the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act. For more information, contact Tiffany Cipoletti at tiffanyc@sema.org.
Court Ruling Halts Racing at Bloomsburg Fairgrounds Raceway (PA)
Officials with Bloomsburg Fairgrounds Raceway--the 3/8-mile clay oval in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania--have announced that races are halted indefinitely following a county court ruling on noise ordinances. Bloomsburg Fairgrounds Raceway regularly races 602 crate modifieds, FWD 4-Cylinders, 305 PASS Sprints, All-Pro SpeedSTRs, Central PA Legends, wingless sprints, ARDC midgets and more.
The track's statement is below.
On July 27, 2023, a hearing was held at the Columbia County Courthouse on a petition for a Preliminary Injunction filed by the Town of Bloomsburg against the Bloomsburg Fair [where the raceway is located.] The petition sought to enjoin the Fair from conducting any further automotive races at the Fairgrounds until such time as the Fair can show that racing can be conducted within the confines of the 65-decibel level as established by the Town's amended noise ordinance.
On July 31, 2023, the Judge granted the Town's Petition, and although we are disappointed with the Court's decision, racing will halt at this time in compliance with the Court's Order.
The Fair is presently considering its appellate rights in relation to this Order, and will continue to pursue damages against the Town for its losses in relation to this temporary shutdown of racing operations. We ask you to be mindful of the fact that the injunction order issued today is only preliminary, and the Fair will continue to litigate this matter in the Courts and fight for justice in the face of the Town's odious and unfair treatment of one of our area's most cherished organizations.
For additional racing industry news, visit the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) website.