From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
Left to right: Jeffrey Hillman, Office of State Senator Sean McCann, State Representative Joey Andrews, State Representative Pauline Wendzel, State Senator Aric Nesbitt during the PRI Motorsports & Legislative Experience at Lane Automotive in Watervliet, Michigan.
As SEMA and PRI prepare for the 2027 legislative session, lawmakers nationwide are getting a firsthand look at the racetracks, manufacturers and businesses that power the motorsports industry. Through facility tours, race-day experiences and direct conversations with industry leaders, policymakers are learning about motorsports' impact on local economies, tourism, workforce development, innovation and community engagement––and why protecting longstanding racing facilities matters.
These educational experiences are a key component of SEMA and PRI's Right to Race initiative, which seeks to protect motorsports facilities from nuisance lawsuits brought by new neighbors and developers who move near existing racetracks. By connecting lawmakers directly with the people and businesses that make motorsports possible, PRI and SEMA are building support for policies that promote and protect racing's future.
PRI Hosts Indiana Legislators at IRP to Highlight the Need for Right to Race Protections
Right to left: State Senator Brett Clark, State Representative Chris May, Brian Bolander, PEAK, State Representative Beau Baird.
PRI and SEMA recently hosted Indiana State Senator Brett Clark and Representatives Chris May and Beau Baird at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park during the NHRA U.S. Nationals, providing a firsthand look at the motorsports industry's impact on the state's economy, tourism, workforce development and local communities.
The event brought together legislators, industry leaders, racers, race teams and facility operators to showcase the important role motorsports play across Indiana, generating $2.75 billion in economic output annually and supporting more than 11,300 full-time jobs.
Right to left: State Representative Beau Baird, Glen Cromwell, President of NHRA, State Representative Chris May, State Senator Brett Clark.
Throughout the day, lawmakers learned how motorsports supports jobs, drives innovation and manufacturing, generates significant tourism spending, and serves as an important community asset statewide. Discussions also highlighted the challenges facing racetracks nationwide, including increasing development pressures and the importance of protecting longstanding facilities that contribute to local economies.
During the 2027 legislative session, PRI and SEMA will pursue Right to Race legislation in Indiana to protect longstanding racetracks from nuisance lawsuits brought by new neighbors and developers who move near existing facilities.
The visit is part of PRI's ongoing effort to educate policymakers about the value of motorsports and build relationships with lawmakers nationwide. PRI and SEMA have hosted similar events in multiple states as they continue working to advance policies that support and protect the motorsports industry.
Michigan Manufacturers Join PRI's Right to Race Efforts at Lane Automotive
PRI and SEMA recently hosted lawmakers along with several legislative staff members and industry leaders for the PRI Motorsports & Legislative Experience at Lane Automotive in Watervliet, Michigan.
PRI and SEMA recently hosted State Senators Jonathan Lindsey and Aric Nesbitt and Representatives Joey Andrews, Nancy Jenkins-Arno, Mark Tisdel and Pauline Wendzel, along with several legislative staff members and industry leaders for the PRI Motorsports & Legislative Experience at Lane Automotive in Watervliet, Michigan, providing policymakers with a firsthand look at the businesses, jobs, and innovation that power the state's motorsports ecosystem.
The event brought together lawmakers and staff from across Michigan to learn more about the motorsports industry's impact on the state's economy, tourism, workforce development, community engagement, safety, and innovation. Attendees toured Lane Automotive's facility and heard directly from industry leaders about motorsports' role in supporting Michigan's manufacturing base and creating high-quality jobs across the state.
More than two dozen Michigan-based manufacturers participated in the event (A&A Manufacturing, Auto-Wares Group of Companies, Baker Engineering, BC Warehouse, Dart Machinery, DeWitts Radiator, Duco Performance, Green Bay Packaging, GT Products, Hastings Manufacturing Company, Howe Racing, IDIDIT, Mark Pack Inc., Melling Engine Parts, Needles Speed Solutions, Oliver Racing Parts, Outerwears Inc., Owosso Speedway, PAC Racing Springs, Senneker Performance, Specialty Auto Parts USA Inc., Sweet Manufacturing, Vel-Kal Manufacturing, and Weber Specialties.) representing a diverse cross-section of the motorsports and automotive aftermarket industries. Company representatives discussed the products they develop, the skilled workforce they employ, and the economic contributions they make to communities across Michigan. The experience provided lawmakers with valuable insight into how motorsports supports businesses both on and off the racetrack.
More than two dozen Michigan-based manufacturers participated in the event.
The event also highlighted the interconnected nature of Michigan's motorsports industry, demonstrating how racetracks, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, suppliers, and service providers work together to create a thriving economic ecosystem. Through facility tours, discussions and networking opportunities, lawmakers gained a deeper understanding of the industry's role in driving innovation, investment, and economic growth.
In Michigan, the SEMA- and PRI-led Right to Race legislation remains active as lawmakers continue discussions on the proposal. The bill passed the Michigan House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support and is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee. To move the bill forward, please call Senator Jeremy Moss' office and ask him to hear our bill or write a letter to voice your support.
Left to right: Max Colchin, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs, SEMA/PRI, Tierra Hubbard, Director of Government Affairs for Racing, SEMA/PRI, Doug Lane, President and CEO of Lane Automotive and SEMA Board of Directors.
The PRI Motorsports & Legislative Experience is part of PRI's ongoing effort to connect policymakers with the businesses, facilities and individuals that make motorsports possible. By bringing lawmakers directly to racetracks and industry facilities, PRI and SEMA continue building support for policies that protect motorsports while increasing awareness of the industry's economic and community impact.
For more information about PRI's government affairs efforts or to learn how your racetrack or motorsports business can support legislative initiatives in your state, contact PRI Director of Government Affairs for Racing Tierra Hubbard at tierrah@performanceracing.com.
