North Carolina Enacts ‘Right to Race’ Law, Safeguarding $3.82 Billion Motorsports Industry From Nuisance Suits

North Carolina's new House Bill 926 shields the state's $3.82 billion racing sector from noise disputes. The measure blocks nuisance claims against tracks that secured permits before nearby construction began.

This fresh "Right to Race" rule sets up a three-mile shield around tracks. Within this zone, property owners can't sue venues that got their paperwork in order first. Short, quick tracks and big speedways both get this protection.

"Few places in the U.S. capture the spirit of motorsports like North Carolina," said Michael Good, president of Performance Racing Industry, according to Competition Plus. "Too often our vibrant motorsports community finds itself playing defense against opportunistic residents and developers who see racetracks as ripe for exploitation."

State Rep. Allen Chesser pushed the bill through with support from parts makers and racing groups. The law stops new neighbors from trying to shut down tracks that were there first.

Racing brings big money to North Carolina: 20,000 jobs and $1.35 billion in pay. The state gets $477 million in taxes from it each year. Forty tracks run races here, with 28 small tracks holding weekly shows.

Wake County Speedway's Charlie Hansen couldn't be happier. "This is a blessing for North Carolina short tracks. North Carolina lawmakers and governors support racing in NC!" Hansen said, according to Short Track Scene.

Iowa and South Boston, Virginia already have similar rules. These laws keep housing builders from causing trouble for existing tracks.

The state's major tracks — Charlotte Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro, and Rockingham — now have extra protection. North Carolina also hosts all NASCAR Cup and Xfinity teams, plus most Truck Series shops.