National Motorsports Coalition Returns to Capitol Hill
Representatives from the six major US sanctioning bodies and racetracks were joined by current and former drivers Antron Brown (NHRA), Ron Capps (NHRA), Ross Chastain (NASCAR), Ashley Freiberg (USAC), Kevin Harvick (NASCAR), Robb Holland (USAC), Rajah Caruth (NASCAR), Corey LaJoie (NASCAR), Travis Pastrana (USAC), Richard Petty (NASCAR) and Jordan Taylor (IMSA).
Washington, D.C. [April 27, 2023] ‐ The National Motorsports Coalition (NMC) returned to Washington, DC on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 to share with members of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and other lawmakers in Congress an overview of the contributions and impacts the motorsports industry continues to have across the American economy. While the NMC has continued to participate in virtual briefings annually with the Congressional Motorsports Caucus in recent years impacted by the pandemic, this was the first time since 2019 that the NMC has had an opportunity to visit in-person with lawmakers and their staff.
Earlier this year, the Congressional Motorsports Caucus (CMC) was formally approved as a Congressional Member Organization of the House of Representatives in the 118tth session of Congress. The CMC, co‐chaired by Representative Bill Posey (FL‐08) and Representative Mike Thompson (CA‐4), serves as an informal, bipartisan group of Members of Congress who are dedicated to celebrating motorsports of all varieties and understanding their impact on American culture and the economy.
“The motorsports industry supports billions of dollars in economic activity around the world, creates good paying jobs, spurs advancements in technology and supplies thrilling sports entertainment to millions of racing fans and enthusiasts. The Congressional Motorsports Caucus is glad to bring awareness to this important sector of our economy right here on Capitol Hill,” said Congressman Bill Posey.
“The motorsports industry is an economic driver in my district and in districts across our country. Motorsports create good-paying jobs, provide lifelong memories, and are a key part of our culture. The drivers, executives, and motorsports employees are genuinely nice and courteous people. It’s always a pleasure to be with them. I am proud to be a co-chair of the Congressional Motorsports Caucus and it was great to welcome the motorsports community to Capitol Hill,” said Congressman Mike Thompson.
One important issue that Members of Congress and motorsports industry leaders addressed was the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the bipartisan Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act on April 18, 2023, which would make permanent the seven-year cost recovery period for investments in motorsports entertainment complexes. This would allow companies to continue making long-term investments in racing facilities with the certainty that their investments will continue to have fair and equitable treatment. The legislation was introduced with Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), Bill Posey (R-FL), Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), Rudy Yakym III (R-IN), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA).
The National Motorsports Coalition’s return to Washington culminated with a reception with support from the Congressional Motorsports Caucus. More than 200 guests, including Members of Congress and their staff, had an opportunity to visit with motorsports industry executives and drivers attending with the NMC.
For more information about the Congressional Motorsports Caucus, please visit: https://posey.house.gov/motorsports/.