Racetracks in North Carolina have scored a major victory against a familiar foe, as a new law, House Bill 926, is set to protect them from nuisance complaints. The state’s powerful motorsports industry, represented by SEMA and its PRI subsidiary, is celebrating the move by Governor Josh Stein to allow the bill to become law, seeing it as a crucial defense for the state’s racing heritage.

The new law’s Protect the Right to Race provision, championed by Rep. Allen Chesser, is aimed directly at stopping NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) lawsuits. It insulates existing, legally established race tracks from noise and nuisance complaints filed by residents or developers who move into the area after the track was already in operation. This has been a growing threat that has shut down numerous tracks across the country.Industry leaders praised the decision, highlighting its importance for the future of racing in the state. “Few places in the U.S. capture the spirit of motorsports like North Carolina, and Gov. Josh Stein has cemented his legacy as a champion of racing by allowing HB 926 to become law,” said Michael Good, president of Performance Racing Industry.

“Too often our vibrant motorsports community finds itself playing defense against opportunistic residents and developers who see racetracks as ripe for exploitation, rather than appreciating and respecting the positive benefits such facilities offer to the surrounding community. SEMA and PRI thank Rep. Allen Chesser, who affirmed his race fan bona fides by standing up for local tracks and the enthusiasts who enjoy them and helping push these protections into the final stretch.”The economic stakes are incredibly high. In North Carolina alone, the motorsports industry generates $3.82 billion in annual output, supports nearly 20,000 jobs, and pays over $1.35 billion in wages. The passage of House Bill 926 helps secure this vital economic engine, which is part of a larger $69 billion industry nationwide.

For small-business owners running local tracks or even car enthusiasts setting up some local events, this new law is a big deal. House Bill 926 helps keep the gates open for the next generation of racers and fans, saving a vital piece of American car culture.