SEMA/PRI Officials Encourage Race Fans to Take Action; Right to Race Act Moving Through State Government

Lansing, MI - Not many things in the political world have bipartisan support anymore. But in Michigan, one bill is building backing from both sides of the aisle, thanks to mounting advocacy from people all across the state. In Michigan, it's HB 5652, and other states across the country have their own bill moving through legislation at an encouraging rate. The bill's mission is to protect race tracks and their facilities from being sued for "noise complaints" while operating legally within local laws and regulations.

HB 5652 provides a balanced, common-sense framework to ensure that racetracks lawfully constructed and operating before surrounding development are not subject to unfair nuisance claims simply because residential growth has moved closer over time. The bill does not shield bad actors or excuse unlawful conduct. Instead, it provides clarity and legal certainty so that longstanding facilities can continue to operate without the constant threat of litigation that can ultimately force closure.

While the Bill isn't on the floor for voting just yet, the time has come for race fans, drivers, car owners, track officials, and anyone with a passion and love for the sport to make their voices heard, but with the right tone. During a recent Michigan Speedway Promoter's Association meeting, Tierra Hubbard, Senior Manager of State Government Affairs with SEMA/PRI, explained that citizens should write letters and contact their representatives, encouraging them to offer support of HB 5652. But noted that people need to make sure they're using a tone that is not aggressive or threatening, but rather positive and encouraging.

Below are examples of what should and should not be mentioned in the letter from different members of the racing industry:

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS

• Local racetracks are long-standing businesses that operate legally and contribute

  to stable local economies.

• Racetracks drive significant economic activity—supporting hospitality, fuel sales,

  manufacturing, logistics, and small businesses throughout the region.

• Many tracks predate surrounding development and made long-term investments

  in reliance on existing laws and local approvals.

• Predictable rules matter. Businesses need certainty that lawful operations won’t

  be undermined years later by nuisance claims tied to new development.

• Racetracks create jobs, generate tax revenue, and attract tourism while serving

  as anchors for broader commercial activity.

• Right-to-Race protections are about fairness, ensuring that businesses following

  the law are not penalized retroactively.

• These protections help preserve private investment, avoid unnecessary litigation,

  and reduce pressure on courts and local governments.

• The legislation supports responsible operations while balancing growth,

  economic development, and community interests

• Protecting racetracks protects local economies, workforce stability, and long-

  standing community institutions.

Topics to Avoid

• Avoid criticizing specific neighbors, developers, or individual complaints.

• Avoid framing the issue as business vs. residents or growth vs. racing.

• Avoid suggesting exemptions from environmental, safety, or zoning laws.

• Avoid emotional language or personal anecdotes unrelated to economic impact.

• Avoid implying hostility toward local governments or regulators.

TRACK OPERATORS

• Our facility has been part of the community for many decades. We want to

  continue operating as we always have.

• The track supports local jobs, tourism, and brings steady business to hotels,

  restaurants, retail shops, and gas stations.

• Motorsports brings significant economic impact to Michigan and helps keep many

  small businesses alive.

• We follow federal and state law, maintain our permits, and operate safely and

  responsibly.

• New development near long-standing tracks created more nuisance complaints

  and lawsuits. These lawsuits threaten facilities that predate the new neighbors.

• Right-to-Race protections are a common-sense issue. If the track was here first,

  it should not be shut down by complaints from people who chose to build or

  move nearby.

• Other states (IA and NC) have already passed similar protections. Over a dozen

  states have this racing through the legislature this year. Michigan has an

  opportunity to do this before tracks are forced to close.

• Protecting established tracks keeps jobs, tourism, and community events in place

  for the long term.

Topics to Avoid

•  Do not criticize specific neighbors or developers.

•  Do not speak negatively about local officials or the courts.

•  Do not talk about operating outside of permits.

•  Do not frame the track as opposed to housing or local growth.

•  Do not use emotional or confrontational language about complaints.

PROMOTERS

• Our events bring fans, drivers, and teams who spend money across the

  community every race weekend.

• Promoted events keep tracks active and create steady economic activity for local

  hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.

• Motorsports draws people from across the state and creates repeat tourism.

• We work closely with track owners to run safe, well-organized events that follow

  all legal requirements.

• Lawsuits from people who moved near long-standing tracks can shut down

  events that have been held for decades.

• Right to Race protections ensure that long-running events are not lost because

  new neighbors file nuisance complaints.

• This helps preserve local traditions, community pride, and family-friendly events.

• Michigan can protect its racing economy and keep events alive by moving

  forward with these protections.

Topics to Avoid

•  Do not criticize specific neighbors or developers.

•  Do not speak negatively about local officials or the courts.

•  Do not talk about operating outside of permits.

•  Do not frame the track as opposed to housing or local growth.

•  Do not use emotional or confrontational language about complaints.

RACERS

• Local tracks give us a safe and legal place to race. That is good for the

  community.

• Racers spend money locally on fuel, hotels, food, parts, and repairs. Our

  presence supports small businesses every race weekend.

• Many of us grew up at these tracks. They are part of Michigan’s culture and

  tradition.

• We want to race responsibly, follow the rules, and support the track operators

  who run things safely.

• Complaints and lawsuits from new neighbors put the future of our home tracks at

  risk.

• Right to Race protections help keep long-standing tracks open so racers of all

  ages have a place to compete.

• Protecting these tracks protects families, teams, and the future of the sport.

Topics to Avoid

•  Do not criticize specific neighbors or developers.

•  Do not speak negatively about local officials or the courts.

•  Do not talk about operating outside of permits.

•  Do not frame the track as opposed to housing or local growth.

•  Do not use emotional or confrontational language about complaints.

According to updates on the official state of Michigan website, HB 5652 was introduced to the committee by Representative Brian BeGole, the lead Bill sponsor and Representative in District 71 (Owosso Speedway). As of March 4th, the Bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Government Operations, of which DeGole sits as Chair.

On Thursday, March 12th, records indicate that the Bill was reported "with recommendation without amendment" and was referred for a second reading.

Michigan residents who wish to contact their House Representative can find their rep and contact information by clicking here. Residents who wish to contact their Senator can find their District's Senator by clicking here.