- North Carolina enacted the “Right to Race” law, shielding racetracks from lawsuits.
- The law protects tracks legally permitted before housing developments arose.
- Supporters say it safeguards $3.82 billion in yearly state economic output.
If you’ve never heard of NIMBY neighbors, consider yourself lucky. The acronym stands for Not In My Backyard, and it has become a persistent headache for racetracks around the world. North Carolina has just taken a stand on the issue, telling these would-be complainers to either embrace the sound of speed or move along.
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More: Laguna Seca Noise Concerns Muffled As Neighbors Drop Lawsuit
House Bill 926 became a law on September 30 when Governor Josh Stein signed it. The new legislation creates sweeping protections for motorsport venues in the state under the banner of “Right to Race.” The bill essentially blocks lawsuits from residents and developers who moved near a track after it was already legally permitted and operating.
Drawing the Line
In practical terms, homeowners can’t file a nuisance or take actions to shut down a track that was already secured and legally permitted before the houses sprang up. The law defines the “area of the racing facility” as everything within three miles of the track property line. We’re not talking about the tarmac but the grandstands, pits, garages, and anything else on track property.
North Carolina’s motorsport industry is no small thing. According to lawmakers, it contributes around $3.82 billion every year to the economy.
Michael Good, president of the group Performance Racing Industry (PRI), praised the move to DragCoverage: “Few places in the U.S. capture the spirit of motorsports like North Carolina. Too often our vibrant community finds itself playing defense against opportunistic residents and developers who see racetracks as ripe for exploitation.”
A Wider Trend?
Notably, North Carolina isn’t alone in this type of action. Iowa passed similar legislation earlier this year. Virginia and California still allow battles like this to continue, though. Somewhat famously, Laguna Seca has faced serious legal battles.
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While the track hasn’t been shut down, it now enforces extremely strict noise regulations on drivers. Perhaps this new law can serve as a roadmap. In other words, Friends of Laguna Seca (and other tracks facing similar complaints)… the track is prepped… You have a green flag to go go go.
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